Author: hcarmstrong
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Caring for Someone When Feelings Take the Lead

Hey, STOP! This is how I respond to my son playing his “game” of walking around with his eyes covered. He sees it as harmless and fun because of his youthfulness. I have a wider perspective. I see potential for great harm if he is not careful. As his eyes are covered, I can see…
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Slowing Down to Speed Up: The Power of a Retreat

The picture above describes the culture of most interactions today; everyone’s vying to prove their point. Opinions are strong, knowledge is shallow, and emotions are strong Everyone feels this, but those that engage in relational work feel it more intensely. From management, to nonprofit work, education, or ministry; work that is heavily relational has a…
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What Is Black Leadership Development?

At Kathairo, we define Black leadership development as the intentional process of identifying, investing in, and empowering Black leaders to grow in their God-given capacity to lead; with cultural clarity, Gospel conviction, and community connection. It’s not a trend. It’s discipleship. Black leadership development matters because it reflects the fullness of the Body of Christ.…
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Running Without Fear: Longing for a World Made New

Recently, my family enjoyed a vacation in Navarre, Florida. One morning, as I jogged taking in the beautiful homes, swaying palm trees, warm sun, and gentle breeze, a sudden thought struck me: Will I be the next hashtag? I had just passed a newly constructed home, and my mind went to names and stories we’ve…
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The Journey of Inner Exploration

Dynamic Leadership Series Part 6 In Leadership is Exploration, we explored leadership as a courageous act of stepping into the unknown; an act of crossing boundaries, asking questions, and building bridges. But there’s another frontier just as vital and often more daunting: the terrain within. Before we can lead others well, we must let God…
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Leadership is Exploration

At my core, I am an explorer. I deeply enjoy trying new things, meeting new people, and exploring new places. It’s how God made me. Recently I was blessed to take a vacation to Colorado Springs to relax and enjoy some hiking in the mountains. I visited a very popular area called the Garden of…
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Culture Flows from the Top

Many ministries and nonprofits recognize the need for greater ethnic diversity and attempt to address it by hiring more diverse staff. While well-intentioned, this approach often falls short because it skips a critical step: addressing culture at the leadership level. I once consulted for an organization that expressed a strong desire to become more ethnically…
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Leading with Focus and Flexibility in Crisis

Dynamic Leadership Series Part 6 Crises have a way of testing the core of our leadership, pressing our priorities, shaking our assumptions, and revealing where our trust truly lies. For Christian leaders, these moments are not just disruptions; they are divine opportunities to pivot faithfully while keeping eternity in view. This spring, a tornado tore…
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Cultivating Connection: Three Keys to Effective Leadership

Dynamic Leadership Series Pt. 5 A Reflection on John 15 and the Inner Life of a Leader In John 15, Jesus invites His followers into something far deeper than religious activity or leadership performance. “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither…
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From Darkness to Light

Why Discussing Hard History Matters Recently, I had the opportunity to speak about the story of Pruitt-Igoe in St. Louis; a housing project once seen as a symbol of hope, but ultimately a tragic example of racial discrimination, economic neglect, and broken promises. The story of Pruitt-Igoe isn’t just local history; it reflects a much…