OUTSIDE THE PULPIT: Boos’ words food for thought

According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. – 1 Corinthians 3:10-11.
There was a very interesting letter written by one Peter N. Boos which appeared in the WEEKEND NATION of January 18 on Page 12 with the caption A New Brand Of Leadership.
I feel that all readers and citizens of Barbados who have not read it should try to get a copy to read. And those of us who have read it should read it again.
Mr Boos was very right when he wrote that Barbados had many challenges which were shaking the very foundation of the country that our foreparents laboured so hard to build.
He wrote: “We have challenges that are shaking the very foundation of our society. Our problems are not economic. Our values are under assault. Integrity, compassion, trustworthiness, wisdom, discernment, fortitude, consistency, execution, principles, fairness – these matter and will overcome any challenge.”
I am sure that this letter has a lot of food for thought and we as a country must take it very seriously.
Too often, rather than act on the problems facing us, we try to shut down the messenger rather than take the message seriously. It seems to me that Mr Boos is seeing what others are failing to see and acknowledge.
“New leaders will shun the cult of the hero. Instead, they will prastice their leadership quietly and effectively. They will lead by example and commit their energies to the service of their wider communities.  
“This situation calls for a different brand of leadership. It is the quiet and authentic expression of better values that are most needed,” Mr Boos wrote.
All I can say is – those who have ears to hear, let them hear! And let us all stop and think.