My friends convinced me to come, but I had no real intention of dancing. Then, he extended his hand. We locked eyes and I knew I must rise from my seated position. Initially, no words were spoken. Nothing needed to be said because I understood. His extended hand said it all.
Now, I wish I could say that is where the story ended, but it’s not. Though I accepted each man’s silent request to dance, initially, I put up quite a fight. I was sure to tell the first few men that I did not know what I was doing.
Silently, I hoped they would choose someone else.
They were unbothered by my resistance and led me to the dance floor anyway. I mean this was all VERY new to me. I had never been asked to dance before and I had never really danced with a man beyond debutante. On top of all of that, I had just learned how to salsa!
But everything changed with one man. He was one of the very first people I danced with and he changed my perspective on the entire night. As I put up my fight, he calmly said, “Just follow my lead. I’ll teach you.” *Faints*
This amazes me even now. As I allowed him to lead, I learned. He had me doing all kinds of tricks and moves. When I felt ill-equipped and began staring at my feet, he would meet my eyes and mouth, “Follow me.” And follow him, I did. He led me so well that when I danced with others confidence and freedom were my song.
One night of salsa dancing, taught me so much. As a single woman, it is easy to fall into handling everything on my own. It is easy for me to assume the “leadership” role, because I pay my bills, I carry my groceries up, and ultimately, I have to take care of me.
Salsa taught me that there is freedom in following.
When I follow, I do not have to anticipate the next step, because my partner is guiding. When I follow, I do not have to be afraid, because my partner is with me. When I follow, I am only responsible for keeping in step with my partner. Shoot, I may even swing my hips a little, because I am not burdened with anything “extra”. It’s so nice.
I believe many of us need a change in perspective. Leadership was created for our personal benefit, not to harm us or strip us of autonomy. Jesus leads as One who understands what it means to be led. Jesus leads us from a place of love not control. Now all we have to do is follow His footsteps. As we learn to follow Him and stop resisting, many of our burdens will lift because our steps are already ordered. I enjoy being led and I believe you will too.
…He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul.
Psalm 23: 2-3 NIV
He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake.
The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.
Psalm 37:23 NLT
Jesus is extending His hand to you, now it is time to rise from your seated position, and let Him lead. It will be the best decision of your life.
P.S. Ladies, if you have a good man who is following Jesus, it’s ok to let your guard down and follow him as he follows Christ. (see 1 Corinthians 11:1).
Big hugs,
Ayanna
I remember I felt like that when I salsa danced for the first time as well…
I am glad to know I am not the only one! Such a great experience!
What a beautiful post, Ayanna.
As a wife, I enjoyed reading this and finding that little nugget at the end, reminding me to ‘let my guard down’ and follow my husband’s lead.
Blessings to you!
Thank you Marva! I am glad it was encouraging! I am still learning to let my guard down. Thank you for sharing that married women struggle with this as well. 🙂