The Preacher Who Couldn’t Preach
There was a preacher at a church I attended years ago.
By traditional standards, he was terrible.
He stuttered. He struggled to get his words out. His delivery was rough, halting, and awkward.
Every Sunday, he would climb into the pulpit and say the same simple thing:
“Church… we’ve got to love one another. Please, love one another.”
It wasn’t eloquent. It wasn’t flashy.
But it was unforgettable.
Twenty years later, I still remember his words — not because of how he said them, but because of how they made me feel.
The Power of Imperfect Influence
That preacher taught me something that decades of leadership couldn’t:
You don’t have to be perfect to be powerful.
In a world obsessed with polish — with curated perfection on LinkedIn, Instagram, and conference stages — authenticity cuts through the noise like light through fog.
True leaders don’t perform; they connect.
And connection leaves a deeper imprint than charisma ever could.
Redefining Talent
We’ve been taught that leadership belongs to the articulate, the polished, the impressive.
But the truth? Some of the most impactful leaders in history were not “talented” by traditional standards.
They were faithful.
They were authentic.
They were consistent.
That’s what makes a leader timeless.
The Courage to Be Real
As women leaders, we often carry the weight of perfection — the need to speak flawlessly, lead flawlessly, and achieve flawlessly.
But leadership is not performance art.
It’s presence.
When you lead from the heart — even through your stumbles — you give others permission to be human too. And that’s where trust begins.
How to Lead Beyond Talent
- Lead with Conviction, Not Performance. People remember your authenticity, not your eloquence.
- Don’t Compete with Perfection. Compete with your own growth.
- Be Remembered for Your Message, Not Your Metrics. What you stand for outlasts how you deliver it.
Final Thought
That preacher couldn’t preach by the world’s standards — but his message outlived a thousand perfect sermons.
The same is true for us.
Your voice doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to be true.
Because long after people forget your title, they’ll remember your impact.
