Becoming Dallas Willard The Formation of a Philosopher, Teacher, and Christ Follower, by Gary Moon

This is my last book to finish in 2020 and it might be my first to start in 2021. 

No biography has impacted me as much. 

"If we are fortunate, once in our lifetime a human supernova presence streaks across our mental and emotional horizon, and the intensity of this light changes us forever. Dallas Willard was such a supernova for me. . . . Dallas’s brilliance, as important as it is, is far from the whole story. He possessed in his person a spiritual formation into Christlikeness that was simply astonishing. . . . The deepest, most fundamental reason for studying the life of another person is so we can learn to live our lives more fully, more truly, more authentically. This is why Becoming Dallas Willardis a genuinely important book."

-- Richard J. Foster, from the foreword

Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers, by Dane Ortlund

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1433566133/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_imm_awdb_Dti7FbZ4F180Y

Sobering book. I have it next to my reading chair for continued reading and reflection primer.

The Jesus Bible

Daylight, by David Baldacci

The Truth Behind Left Behind, by Hitchcock & Ice

On Leadership, by John W. Gardner

Recommended by Colonel Scott McLeod as the best book leadership he's ever read, John Gardner's On Leadership explores the nature, challenges, and practice of leadership. Gardner, an educator and public servant, provides insights into what defines effective leaders and how leadership drives societal progress.

Key Themes in On Leadership:

Leadership is not about formal positions but the ability to influence and inspire others toward shared goals. Gardner differentiates leadership from management, emphasizing vision and change over stability and execution.

Leadership must be contextual, adapting to the culture, values, and dynamics of the group. Effective leaders provide a compelling vision and foster renewal to help organizations adapt to change.

Values play a central role in leadership. Gardner rightly argues that leaders need a moral compass (something missed most leadership books), ensuring their actions align with their organization's principles. He also advocates for building leadership capacity across society, emphasizing that leadership is not limited to a few but can be widely cultivated.

Leaders face significant challenges, including resistance to change, human complexities, and balancing priorities. Gardner highlights the importance of followership as a reciprocal relationship, where informed and engaged followers hold leaders accountable.

Practical Insights:

Leadership is accessible to anyone willing to take responsibility and inspire change. Success depends on understanding the social and organizational context, continuous learning, self-reflection, and a commitment to core values.

Gardner's holistic approach ties leadership to broader societal needs, addressing challenges like stagnation and inequality. He calls for leaders who are both visionary and pragmatic, capable of inspiring trust and building strong teams.

Published in 1993, On Leadership is a timeless text in leadership studies, offering wisdom and actionable insights for anyone seeking to lead effectively and drive meaningful change in organizations and communities.

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@ https://dannylsmith.substack.com