Rooted and Radiant: Christian Principles for Sisters in Leadership

By Glenda Shelby Reynolds

Encouraged by the Word. Empowered by the Spirit.

Sister,

Imagine a life where you do not have to choose between being strong and being surrendered, or between leading in the marketplace and leading in ministry. For years, I juggled both—corporate meetings by day, Bible studies by night. I was known as “the one who had it all together”—leading Human Resource initiatives, mentoring young women, serving alongside my husband in ministry, showing up for my community, and managing life at home.

But behind the strength was often exhaustion. Behind the smile was a quiet question: Am I doing this God’s way, or just grinding my way through it?

Then God reminded me: You are not alone. You do not have to perform to prove your purpose; you simply must walk in it.

If you are navigating the tension of leadership, here are three powerful principles that have anchored my journey—and I pray they anchor yours as well.

1. Lead with Integrity and Excellence – Even When No One’s Watching

In the corporate world, excellence can sometimes be driven by competition, politics, or people-pleasing. In ministry, it can be fueled by performance or the pressure to serve without pause. But true excellence is not about who is watching; it is about who you are working for.

Colossians 3:23 reminds us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”

I recall a season when I was caught between advocating for employees and maintaining harmony with executives. Cutting corners or “going along to get along” would have been easy. But the Holy Spirit whispered: Do this unto Me—not unto them.

When you lead with integrity, even in the unseen moments, you are planting seeds that God Himself sees. Excellence is not perfection—it is faithfulness, consistency, and truth in action.

Sister, keep showing up with integrity. Your quiet obedience is powerful Kingdom work.

2. Embrace Your God-Given Identity – You Do Not Have to Shrink to Shine

Impostor syndrome? Oh, Sister… I know it well. Even after decades of leadership, I have walked into rooms thinking, Do I really belong here? The enemy loves to whisper lies—that you are too much, not enough, or in the wrong place.

But here is the truth: You were created for this—not just tolerated but appointed. Ephesians 2:10 declares, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works…”

I once sat on a panel of influential leaders from Fortune 500 companies and felt like the odd one out. But God reminded me, “I placed you here—not to blend in, but to bring Light.”

Walk boldly, Sister. The Lord prepared your seat at the table. Do not downplay the work He is doing through you.

3. Prioritize Rest and Surrender – God Does Not Need You Burned Out to Use You

For years, I wore busyness like a badge of honor—leading meetings, ministry, and mentoring without pause. I thought rest was something you earned after the work was done. But God taught me a holy truth: Rest is not the reward for your work—it is part of your rhythm with Him.

Jesus says in Matthew 11:28–30, “Come to Me… and I will give you rest.”

When I began practicing soul-rest—slowing down, unplugging, and surrendering outcomes to Him—I found a deeper strength. Not a strength that drains, but a holy resilience that flows from His presence.

Leading well does not mean emptying yourself. It means leading from overflow—filled first by God, then poured out for others.

Sister, rest is not weakness. Rest is worship.

Conclusion

Sister, you were born to lead—not as the world leads, but as Christ leads. 

Rooted in grace. Radiant in purpose. Rested in His presence.

Let us not strive to “do it all.” Instead, let us commit to doing it God’s way. When we lead with integrity, embrace our God-given identity, and prioritize intentional rest, we do not just lead well—we lead free.

With you on the journey,

Glenda