Years ago, some friends talked me into joining them for several weeks of salsa lessons. It was the first time I’d danced where women and men had distinct roles. The men would lead and the women would follow.
Growing up as a woman in modern-day America, it was almost ingrained in my psyche that women should not be subjected to man’s dominance. But as I came to enjoy the complimentary dance roles of leader and follower, and considered how God desires to lead us, I began to think that many of us (both men and women) have mistakenly equated leading with dominance, to our own detriment.
A Guiding Hand
In ballroom dancing, the main purpose of the man is to empower the woman to express beauty, elegance, and grace. Through dancing, they aim to wow their audiences. The man’s primary role is to continuously survey their surroundings, determine their course, and confidently guide the woman. He does this by applying gentle pressure with his hand against her back. The woman cannot fully see where the man is leading her. It is the man’s guiding hand that frees her from the fear of colliding. Free from anticipating danger, the woman can yield herself to the enchanting beauty of the music.
I will never forget one particular dance partner. He repeatedly failed to keep his hand strong and purposeful on my back. I found myself continuously looking over my shoulder in fear we might crash. Why? Because I could not trust a guide whose presence and confidence was lacking. It felt like I was dancing blind. But when I was paired with a man who confidently took the lead, careful to guide and protect my steps, I felt safe and secure in his arms. Finally, I was free to enjoy the dance.
Letting God Lead
Likewise, God desires to lead us. He does this not in order to exercise dominance over us, but to free us to express the dignity and grace He intended for us from the beginning. In turn, when we yield ourselves to His loving lead, embracing our God-given roles, we more accurately reflect His beauty and grace back onto a fearful, lost, and colliding world.
Jesus warns us in Matthew 15:14 to beware of leaders who exercise religious dominance but reject the truth, “They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”
Instead, when we yield our lives to a loving, all-wise, all-knowing God, we are free to become all that God intended us to be. We are confident He can lead us there because we have learned to trust in His unfailing Presence, Goodness, and Faithfulness.
“You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me…If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.” Psalm 139:5, 9-10
Shadia is a passionate Bible teacher, award-winning author and speaker who has a heart for seeing lives transformed by the power of God’s Word. She holds a master’s in biblical and theological studies from Western Seminary and is author of several books and Bible studies, including TAMAR, HAGAR, LEGION, and Worthy of Love. Be sure to connect with Shadia HERE so that you’ll be among the first to hear about her next study!
Thanks Shadia, you have a gift.
Absolutey beautiful analogy! Well written, lucid, practical, thought-provoking, beautiful! Well done, my dear.
Great analogy. Made me conscious to be more aware of dancing in a partnership. If I don’t respond to God’s leading as a man, a husband, as a father, Im going to trip all over my feet worrying about what I’m going to do next and not enjoying the art of movement. “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you, Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully” ~ 1 Peter 5:6-7.
Thank you again for your loving and DANCING spirit.
Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement! I’m honored that it blessed you 🙂
Shadia
Hi Shadia, I really enjoyed this post especially because I love dancing. You used such a simple and beautiful analogy to portray a deep and much needed message thank you so much for sharing these words of wisdom and truth.
Thank you so much for your encouraging words 🙂
Shadia, I just saw a movie with a similar name. I was amazed at the grace, the confidence and the freedom the dancers had. In fact, I watched it three times, so the dynamics of ballroom dancing are very fresh in my mind. Thank you for your encouragement and giving such a beautiful depiction of how God wants to lead us. I am truly blessed!!!
Thank you, Donna! I’m thrilled it ministered to you and encouraged by your words. Blessings!!
What a beautiful reflection, Shadia! Your words are God-given and never fail to bless. On Ash Wednesday and throughout Lent I will recall your words and allow God to lead. ♥️
Bless you, Esther. I’m so delighted the article ministered to you! 😍
Shadia, great vision for young vulnerable women especially those in our RealOptions ministry who don’t even know they are being led blindly without real support and leadership…Id like to quote your wisdom when the presented!
So sorry for typos, my iPad has a mind of its own.
🙂
Blessings, Kathryn! Thank you for your support and encouragement! And you are welcome to quote me anytime. To Him alone be all the glory!
Beautiful analogy.
Thank you 😀
I’ve heard this before but not quite so beautifully written. You have such a unique gift for portraying the ordinary to extraordinary every time!!
I’m so glad it blessed you, Vicki!