Being misunderstood is an expected occupational hazard for any leader. Being doubted as a leader is also frustrating. Sometimes, those occurrences can make you feel debilitatingly paralyzed from wanting to continue with your responsibilities. That’s when I pull out my leadership tools of the example of others who overcame such obstacles.

I often turn to the stories of biblical women which are so encouraging and empowering. For strength in getting past being misunderstood or doubted, I have to look no further than the story of Mary Magdalene–one of my favorite “sheroes” who demonstrated amazing fortitude.  

Our first introduction to Mary Magdalene is in Luke 8:1-3 where we discover that she and several other women were cured by Jesus and then became traveling companions and financial supporters of Jesus and the male disciples. (Picture that for a moment – Jesus and the disciples traveling with a group of wealthy women.)

In those verses we’re told that Mary was cured of seven demons. Often, when demon-possession is mentioned in the Bible, it is really a reference to what we know today as mental illness. So, we’re not sure what Mary’s condition was. What we do know about mental illness in biblical times is how people who suffered with it were feared, shunned, and worse, discarded. I’m sure Mary Magdalene lived on the outskirts of society.

Numbers, on the other hand, had specific meanings in the ancient world that we don’t often equate with them today. The use of the number seven usually meant “complete,” or “whole.” In this context, “seven demons” could imply the worst possible corruption. We do not know what kind of corruption she experienced nor do we know if it was of her own making or if she was a victim. And, while there is no evidence that Mary was a prostitute, that seems to be the interpretation that has followed her through the centuries – talk about being misunderstood! It was a pope’s sermon in the 6th century that confused the issue by saying that Mary Magdalene was the same person as the sinful woman who anointed Jesus’ feet. Unfortunately, much Western art has portrayed her that way as well. And even though the Catholic church officially changed her designation as a prostitute in 1969 (!), the misnomer lingers!

So, how do you, as a leader, get past a situation that is plaguing your productivity or is crippling your communication? Here is what I think Mary Magdalene might encourage us to do: 

1. Take the problem to Jesus. Talk about it honestly with him. Allow him to heal you of the pain it is causing you. Mary would remind us that the only one who could help her was Jesus. Read the Psalms of David and hear his agony of heart and see his transformation in attitude by the end of those psalms. Allow God to direct your motivations and your actions toward others. Read Matthew 8-9 and see all the different types of people Jesus encountered and transformed. Nothing is impossible for God! Remember Elizabeth’s words to a pregnant, young Mary, the mother of Jesus, which we read in Luke 1:45, “Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.”
2. Continue to focus on Jesus in a more concentrated way. Mary, I’m sure, would start telling us stories of the adventures she had traveling with Jesus and watching him work. What more can you do to serve him? Can you find a way to spend more time with him–more prayer, meditation, scripture reading, fasting? Can you commit more of your resources to ministry and serving others? This may mean you need to cancel some other things for awhile so you can redirect your soul’s energy toward Christ and to the needs of others. This will free your heart and mind from stewing about your own problem and will help you put things in perspective. Try to see the situation through Jesus’ eyes and sense of eternity.

Mary’s discipleship was enduring in spite of the risks. Next week’s blog during Holy Week will help us see how this woman with a questionable background emerged as “the apostle to the apostles,” which offers more practical lessons for leaders.

P.S. If you are interested in stories like this about biblical women, watch for my book When God Chooses a Woman First to come out later this year. I’m available to speak on the topic now! Use the request form on my Speaking page to book me for your event.