As women, we often play many roles or wear many hats—whether in our families, friendships, ministries, or workplaces.
Juggling the Teams
Recently, I found myself juggling many of my roles at once. After traveling from Georgia to Louisiana to speak for a conference, I visited my parents to see how I might offer my assistance to them while in town. As I age, so do they. Though they’ll always be my heroes, their zeal and energy aren’t what they used to be; so any way I can find to give my support while I’m home, I gladly offer.
Once I left my parents, I then traveled to Houston to lay eyes on my adult son and visit with my best friend. I don’t care what anyone says, no matter how old our children get, they will never outgrow the care and concern of a parent–especially a mother. While in Houston, I cooked my son’s favorite meal, had some bedside conversations, and updated his résumé.
When I left Houston, I wanted to round my trip by visiting my mother-in-law. She often suggests how she’d love to look out of her window and see us standing on her porch. So…I decided to do just that.
Unexpected Surprises
Because I love a good surprise, I called her and led her to believe I would drive straight through New Orleans to get back home to my husband and daughter. I could hear the disappointment in her voice that I couldn’t find the time to visit her. So ask me why when I knocked on her door and she opened it, she proceeded to slam it in my face. We will call her response “shockingly surprised” and assume she was overjoyed to see me. Likewise, I was glad to offer her a little light; especially since this month is the anniversary of only a year since her husband passed.
To my surprise, as I planned my route home, I discovered that not only would I face a delay, but also an unexpected extension due to Hurricane Helene. The hurricane was heading toward Florida and directly into my travel path back to Georgia, bringing 80-100 mph wind gusts and the potential for uprooted trees, downed power lines, significant debris, and record flooding.
One for the Team
While waiting out the storm, like with my own parents, I made myself available for any tasks my mother-in-law might need tackling while I was in town. I also had time to meet with a few clients. After three days of delay, I returned home late Saturday night to. . . devastation –- no electricity and the realization that my neighborhood and larger community had taken quite a hit.
Because my husband’s role at the military hospital is essential, I woke the following morning to him rushing to leave. Their facility’s water supply had been cut off. Inadvertently, this then left me having to fill in and deliver the Sunday message in my husband’s absence. Did I mention I got in at 11:45 pm and learned of my need to teach at 9:45 am, just in time for our 10:00 am service? If “be ye ready” was a person, her name might be Dawn.
After the service, I had to face the realities of how my family and I would navigate the storm’s aftermath and ease back into my role as Mommy-in-Chief. During this time, a conversation with my 14-year-old daughter reminded me of the importance and value of what it means to operate from a team perspective—and why understanding our roles within that dynamic is crucial.
Life Lessons for the Team
As I observed my home, after being gone 10 days, it didn’t take long for me to notice that some things had been neglected while I was away. My daughter’s usual responsibilities (pre-storm) had been left undone. Though disappointed and a bit frustrated, because I knew she missed me while I was away, I didn’t want to return and immediately begin fussing. So, I chose to be very careful in my approach to saying anything. Instead, I asked her, “Is there a reason for leaving certain things undone or unattended?” She probably was thinking, “Is this a trick question?” Rather than pressing her, I reminded her – “I always want you to remember…We’re a team.“
The Power of Teamwork
A team comes together to achieve a common or collective goal. However, even though the goal is shared, not everyone on the team plays the same part. Roles may depend on individual strengths and the overall needs of the team.
As an example, I reminded my daughter that though I wasn’t exactly prepared to teach for the morning’s service, my husband and I were a team. In his absence, I would need to fulfill the collective mission of our ministry. My husband was called to a different assignment, similar to how I had been during my travels. Just as I expected him to ensure our daughter got to school on time and had meals each day; as his partner, he expects me to assume certain duties in his absence — this includes our ministry.
Responsibilities and commitments often test us. Much like storms, they shift the atmosphere and force people to make necessary adjustments. Although I didn’t specifically prepare, my previous habits and tendencies had conditioned me for whenever it was time to perform.
In a family, much like on a sports team, everyone has a position. Just as players on a basketball or football team know their positions, each family member must understand their responsibilities for the family to function effectively. If someone consistently needs reminders and motivation to fulfill their role or fails to perform, they risk being sidelined and losing respect from others. I needed my daughter to grasp that her commitment and consistency affect the entire family’s dynamics; relying on constant reminders makes it seem like she isn’t fully invested while still expecting the benefits of being part of our team.
Jesus’ Lesson to the Team
In the Bible, we see a powerful example of Jesus having to step in to bring peace to the storm in Mark 4:39. When the disciples found themselves terrified in the face of a storm, they awakened Jesus who spoke to the storm and said, “Peace! Be still!” and the winds and waves obeyed. What’s interesting is that after calming the storm, Jesus asked them, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Suggesting that they themselves could have done it.
Now, we understand that Jesus’ display of power here was another example that needed to be witnessed so that others would realize he wasn’t just an ordinary man, but one who had supernatural authority. However, these instances with Jesus were demonstrations for the disciples of what they would also be able to do when Jesus was no longer with them and they were left with the indwelling Holy Spirit. So, Jesus wasn’t just calming the storm; He was strengthening the faith of His team—the disciples.
This shows us that storms or tests in life serve a greater purpose. They challenge us to trust, grow, and strengthen our role as individuals and within the teams we’ve been placed or called Into. I needed my daughter to understand that she has been called to a team–our family. In her daily capacity, I expect her to embrace her position and practice it. As she performs it regularly, she’ll become more effective in it, even in my absence.
What It Means to Be a Team Player
Being part of a team isn’t just about showing up—it’s about contributing. When I showed up at the conference, my parents, in Houston, and New Orleans, I wasn’t just coming to be a live body. I came to contribute. I’m not present every day in these instances. However, I understand, both based on my relationships and my calling, that I am part of a larger team. My contributions should help to add value to the environments I enter.
Are you fully aware of the contributions needed from you in the teams in your life?
The Bible tells us in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10,
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”
This scripture speaks directly to the power of teamwork.
In our homes and communities, we each have responsibilities that can’t be overlooked. But are we committed to the point that no one has to remind us to play our part? Are we being consistent enough in our relationships and in our callings to gain the trust of those around us?
Potential Teams and Possible Contributions
If you’re unsure whether you’re part of a team, the truth is, you likely are. However, you just may not fully grasp your role within it. Often, we don’t realize how we can contribute or add value. Here are some natural teams to consider. Additionally, there are a few questions to help you reflect on how you can positively impact your environment:
- Your Family: Are you supporting your spouse, raising your children, or honoring your parents?
- Your Church: Do you serve in ministry or help others grow in their walk with Christ?
- Your Friendships: Are you there for your friends when they need encouragement or support?
- Your Workplace: Are you fostering a positive, collaborative atmosphere?
When you’re part of these life teams, your contribution matters. But if you don’t play your part, your absence will be felt—and not in a good way. Often, we are called to bring order and support in both practical and spiritual ways — just as Jesus did. Understanding and embracing your role is key to the success of any team you’re on.
What’s Hindering You?
Sometimes we struggle to contribute because of fear, insecurity, or a lack of understanding about our role. But the truth is, we are all valuable.
Romans 12:4-5 says, “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” This reminds us that every role matters.
So, what’s holding you back? Is it fear of not doing enough? Is it because you don’t know what’s expected of you? Take time to reflect on how you can step up and be a better team player.
Practical Ways to Contribute to Your Team:
- Take Initiative: Don’t wait to be told what to do—step in and help where you see a need.
- Be Consistent: Show up, and do your part regularly. Trust is built on consistency.
- Communicate: Talk to your team members (family, friends, colleagues) about what’s needed and how you can support them.
- Seek Growth: If unsure of your role, ask for guidance and clarification so that expectations are clear. Additionally, ask God to reveal your purpose and help you develop your needed skills.
Conclusion: Are You Ready to Step Up?
At the end of the day, being part of a team means recognizing that your role matters and impacts everyone else. Whether it’s your family, church, or community, your contribution makes a difference. However, it takes commitment, consistency, and a willingness to play your part without needing constant reminders or motivation to show up.
The challenge is simple: Ask yourself what teams you’re a part of and how well you’re contributing. Are you bringing peace and order, or are others having to step in to calm the storm because your contribution is meager to nonexistent? If you struggle in this area, confide in a trusted mentor or colleague, as well as seek God’s guidance on what actionable, faith-filled steps you can take to grow into being a better team player.
Let’s commit today to being women who are reliable, accountable, and essential to the teams God has placed us on. Then, allow your example to show others a characteristic to which they should aspire.
THANK YOU!
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Support Hurricane Helene Relief
Continue to pray for those affected by the effects of Hurricane Helene. The devastation has been enormous. Cleanup efforts and restoration of power are still underway, and it’s projected that some will go without for weeks. Find ways you can help in your area or send contributions to:
Dawn of a New Day 365
P.O. BOX 394
GROVETOWN, GA 30813
Email: info@dawnofanewday365.com – Subject: Helene Relief
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