“Silence is the secret,” says Mama Maggie Gobran, founder of Stephen’s Ministry in Cairo, Egypt. She claims there are secrets in silence and time has taught me that this is true.
I first heard Mama Maggie speak a number of years ago and yet her message continues to resonate inside of me. I have come to believe that silence is a gift - it is not a void that needs to be filled. I have learned that silence provides renewal and rejuvenation. Silence gives space for creativity and clarity. Silence allows me to hear my own thoughts and even God’s voice. Silence has helped me to be a better leader.
School leadership does not naturally provide opportunities for silence. There are always myriads of interruptions, conversations and meetings, but silence is often what we need in order to be impactful in our school communities. It is worth fighting for. Even just a few minutes of silence, a thoughtful deliberate pause, can bring renewal to our bodies and minds. So close your office door, drive to your next destination with no radio or music, turn off your phone. If someone asks, you can always say you are developing your leadership abilities. Mama Maggie would agree and tell you to …
Silence your body to listen to your words
Silence your tongue to listen to your thoughts
Silence your thoughts to listen to your heart beating
Silence your heart to listen to your spirit.
Silence your spirit to listen to His Spirit.
In silence we leave many to be with the One.