What's a crucible? It's that place where you get crushed and everything inside comes spilling out. It's usually characterized by mounds of pressure, sometimes heat, and a whole lot of adversity. According to Warren Bennis in Geeks and Geezers, "The ability to find meaning and strength during these times of adversity is what distinguishes leaders from non-leaders more than any one single quality."

In these instances, it's as if you are handed a pen and given the opportunity to write the end of the story...your story. Whether the stormy times render you powerless or give you fresh resolve is a matter of choice.

In this Youth Leader's Coach, may my 39 years in ministry help you assign purpose to your pain and not just survive the crucibles, but thrive in them.

Turning wounds into wisdom,