Light from many Lamp: This, too, shall pass by Paul Hamilton Hayne – (p. 74-78)

 

Who would have thought that such writing could inspire us? But in the words documented in this poetry lifted me from the clay as inspiration came forth.
The story was about a monarch who asked his wise men to coin a motto that could be used to give hope across all sphere of life; in trials or distress. The motto must be wise and true and endlessly enduring words by which a man could be guided all his life, in every circumstance, no matter what happened (p.74). It was then to be engraved on a ring. This meant it would need to be concise. The coined the phrase, “THIS TOO, SHALL PASS AWAY”.

The leadership lesson seen in this story were:

1. Courage
2. Focus
3. Positive Attitude

The monarch created something that outlived him. As leaders, we are called to be courageous. John Maxwell said, one person with courage is a majority (p.37). He articulates that courage begins with an inward battle (p.40).  It also requires the leader to be focus and to have a positive attitude. Being focused requires precision on the task. If you chase two rabbits, both will escape. Years ago, I moved to a new city and was asked to be the Youth Pastor of a local congregation. The culture was different. It took time to get adjusted as the way things were being done was not my style. The youth put up a fight. There were times when I felt like just maybe I made the wrong decision to lead them. But deep inside my heart, I kept quoting the song by Yolanda Adams.

“This Too Shall Pass”

In the middle of the turbulence surrounding you
These trying times are so hard to endure
In the middle of what seems to be your darkest hour
Hold fast your heart and be assured

[Chorus:]
This too shall pass
Like every night that’s come before it
He’ll never give you more than you can bear
This too shall pass
So in this thought you’d be comforted
For it’s in His Hands
This too shall pass

The Father knows the tears you cry before they fall
He feels your pain, His heart and yours are one
The Father knows that sorrow’s heavy chains are strong
But with His strength, you’ll overcome

[Chorus]

So set your eyes upon the mountain
And lift your hands up to the sky
And let His arms of love surround you
Let him take you to the other side

[Chorus]

I kept on pushing forth as it required courage to keep the fight going. I knew they had a love for God and just needed guidance. And, so, there was a meeting which I was chairing and remembered standing up and saying, I will take all the hits from you no matter what happens and what you have to say. After the meeting, a parent came to me and said, “pastor, now I know you love them. It took courage to stand up like that”.
A year after moving from the city I had an opportunity to speak with some of the youths who said thanks for not giving up on them. I had to be focused on the plans we had and keep a positive attitude.

 

Reference:

Maxwell, J. C. (1999). The 21 indispensable qualities of a leader: Becoming the person others will want to follow. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson.

Watson, L.E. (1951). Light from Many Lamps. New York: Simon and Schuster

Yolanda Adams – This Too Shall Pass Lyrics | AZLyrics.com. (n.d.). Retrieved October 8, 2018, from https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/yolandaadams/thistooshallpass.htm