Why Leadership Education? Why would I want my children to be Statesmen?

July 2017

A friend asked me about Leadership Education once - and after listening she ended up dismissing it because she didn't see the need for every person to become a statesman.  "Not everyone is going to become a lawyer or congressman -so why should I do this style of education?" I didn't have an answer for her then. But I do now.

What I realized this weekend after attending Quest training, was that the LEMI Scholar Path really does train these scholars (and we adults) to write like an author, speak like an orator, think like a philosopher, compute like a mathematician and read like a lawyer. Each project is designed to build these skills and abilities - increasing the challenges along the path as the individual scholar is ready. In the end, if the scholars continue to the end, they will truly have these five abilities. It isn't just a goal or a nice mission statement or an inspiring phrase. It is a reality. I have been inspired by the tremendous abilities of young adults who have finished the Quest project. Mitch, Natalya, Lilly, and Tyler are all examples of how this path really does work. I have also seen in it my own life - because I too have grown along this very same path.

Now, not all scholars will have the same natural gifts so some will excel more in one area than another. And, Leadership Education only works to the extent that the families apply the principles and to the extent that a youth commits to their education. But if they persevere in their journey, all will be competent in each area and tested by the Quest experiences and will have found their personal mission along the way.

So, sitting in church today I was struck with the talks by Sam and Josh. They spoke so eloquently and fervently about Liberty and Freedom. They understood with wisdom how God's law and natural law works. How freedom in any age requires control over their passions. They quoted beautiful words from "dusty old books" and understand the context and meaning of those quotes. I was so impressed and moved by their words. Then, as I stood to lead the music for the congregational hymns "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" and "Whose on the Lord's Side Who?" I was overcome with the power of the words. As I looked around I saw a few fervent, awake faces which matched my feelings. But the majority of the congregation were...in a stupor. Asleep and apathetic. How could someone have not felt the truth and power of what I had heard!? How could they not have been moved by the words and the music!? How could they not feel what I felt, a growing need for EVERYONE to fight for freedom!?

Next, a departing sister missionary gave a nice talk on her mission and spoke about Standing on the Lord's side. But it was in stark contrast, in delivery and content, with her younger fellow speakers. I know this wonderful young woman and she has a strong testimony and much to share with the world. But she lacked the confidence, skills, and fervor of the young boys who were being trained as statesmen.

Why does everyone need a leadership education? Because in our church and in the world these youth are told to  "Stand up", "Rise Up", "Stand for Something", and to "Be a light to the world" but they aren't taught HOW! They aren't taught in school to think - to compare ideologies and logical fallacies. They aren't taught to read "dusty old books", to understand human nature and history, to focus hard to understand and seek for the truth. They aren't taught to stand in front of a crowd and proclaim beliefs in a way that others will stop and listen. Instead, they are taught how to pass a multiple choice test, to write a five paragraph essay, or to regurgitate the teacher's opinion for a grade. That doesn't persuade anyone - that doesn't take a stand. That will never change the world!

Leadership Education is for everyone, because everyone has a gift, a unique mission in life.  I wanted to shout "Wake up our of your stupor! Snap out of the mediocrity, out of the "land of Normal", out of the apathy!" We ARE at war. Not a war using conventional weapons, but in a war of ideas and beliefs. Our religion and freedoms are very literally being taken away. The cultural changes around us aren't just a coincidence or just a slow change of society driven by the people. It is a battle of ideologies and we are being attacked - purposely, intentionally and methodically.

Why do we need Leadership Education?! We need leadership education so we each can be armed with knowledge so we can see patterns in history and protect our freedoms.

Why do we need to teach our children to be statesmen!? We need to each become a statesman because that is what FREEDOM requires of us.

We need leadership education so each and every one of us can wake up out of our stupor and fulfill our personal missions in life - To Stand Up - to Rise Up - To Be Free.