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December 9, 2019 ♦ Issue 25 |
| Following the Leader As an associate superintendent for Dayton Public Schools in Ohio, Sheila Burton oversees more than 14 departments in the 28-school district — from transportation and enrollment to information technology, assessment and operations (custodial, logistics, HVAC). In 2018, when district officials added human resources to her long list of responsibilities, her first thought was, “Lord, you really want me to have a heart attack!” Burton recalls, adding that her days can run from 4:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
In time, she realized God didn't say she needed to become a Human Resources expert, she just needed to follow His lead and keep going. As she prayed, she began to understand that as with so many other challenges in her life, this was about trusting God. Just as He had led her entire life, He led her to the resources she needed and the right people to run the Human Resources department. |
| | "Leadership starts with following. How can you lead if you don’t know how to follow the Leader? The Leader is Jesus Christ." |
| Burton's journey to leadership started as a substitute teacher in Cleveland, Ohio, and an encounter with some challenging students that led her to become a teacher in 1981. A student, whom she believes was misdiagnosed as mentally disturbed, prompted her move to school psychology in 1986. It was during this time that she surrendered her life to Christ and began to follow Him. “Leadership starts with following,” Burton says. “How can you lead if you don’t know how to follow the Leader? The Leader is Jesus Christ.”
In addition to this personal mandate, her daily regimen includes worship and exercise, which help to keep her focused and productive. As she has been faithful to her call, God opened doors she never dreamed possible, including unsolicited promotions that moved her from school psychologist in 2004 to associate superintendent by 2014. With each new opportunity, she found mentors to aid in her growth. She has now served with three superintendents and has been asked if she’d like to become superintendent herself.
While she does not feel called to take that role, her ultimate goal is to hear God say "well done thou good and faithful servant,” Burton says. |
| | — Michele Joseph, managing editor, Adventist Women Leaders newsletter. |
| | Next Up on AWL's PodcastNew episodes are released the first and third Mondays of the month on Spotify and iTunes. Please subscribe and give positive reviews and ratings to raise the podcast's visibility and encourage others to listen. Email the co-hosts Natalia Lopez-Thismon and Natalie Boonstra at flourishthepodcast@gmail.com.
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| Flourish: Episode 5 (Available Now)
Co-hosts Natalia Lopez-Thismon and Natalie Boonstra talk about "Emerging into the Workplace" successfully, from a Christian standpoint. Hear their discussion on cultivating positive professional relationships and presenting yourself well on social media. |
| Flourish: Episode 6 (Dec. 16)
Jennifer Jill Schwirzer talks about "Self-Care and Mental Health," and how to view each from a Christian perspective. Schwirzer is a licensed professional counselor and founder of ABIDE Counseling based in Orlando, Fla. Schwirzer is also a musician, having recorded more than 150 original songs, an author and a speaker.
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| | Meditations
"The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him." — Psalm 28:7, New International Version |
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| | AWL's Prayer Circle This month we are praying for: |
| Shirley Allen Oregon Conference
Children's Ministries Director shirley.allen@oc.npuc.org
Kaye Aure
Women's Ministries Leader Mount Zion Filipino Church
Downsview, Ontario, Canada kaure30@yahoo.com |
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| | In Case You Missed It Debra Brill retired from the North American Division on Oct. 1. As the longest serving vice president, Brill spent 21 years in office. The former chair of the AWL Committee was honored in a Nov. 21 article featured in NewsPoints, the NAD's e-newsletter. |
| | Coming January 27
Join us on Facebook Live at noon (EST) Jan. 27 for AWL's first webinar, featuring pastor, author and administrator Bonita Shields. She will talk about fighting fear and becoming all that God wants you to be in life and leadership. |
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| AWL is a community of women affirming, encouraging and celebrating God's goodness to those He has called to lead. |
| AWL Committee: Celeste Ryan Blyden, secretary/director; Brenda Dickerson, Carolyn R. Forrest, Tamyra Horst, Natalia Lopez-Thismon and Ann Roda AWL Support Team: Michele Joseph, managing editor; Carla Conway, graphic designer; Frenita Buddy Fullwood, event coordinator |
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