Mother’s Day Tribute: The Enduring Leadership Lessons of Annette Green Elias
May 13, 2024
“Lord, it is another Mother’s Day. Thank you to my mother. As I reflect on the elevation in my life as a leader, let me never forget the lessons from my mother that shaped me during my upbringing in Shreveport, Louisiana. Amen!”
Dr. Daryl. D. Green
Today, as I exchanged texts with my sister (Mary Evans), the only remaining member of our immediate family, I am reminded of our mother’s profound influence. My mother, Annette Green Elias, was a pillar of strength and a beacon of wisdom. On this Mother’s Day, I wish to honor her memory by sharing the leadership lessons she imparted, lessons that have been the cornerstone of my personal and professional life.
Critical Lessons of Leadership from My Mother:
| Lesson | Description |
|---|---|
| Trust God | Life is full of challenges. My mother faced many, often with tears in her eyes, yet always thanked God for her strength. |
| Be a Leader, Not a Follower | As the youth director at First Baptist Church of Cedar Grove, she instilled in us the importance of leading, especially when it was most challenging. |
| Stand Your Ground | Growing up where confrontations were common, she taught us to defend our beliefs courageously. |
| Tell the Truth | Honesty was non-negotiable. The truth might be inconvenient, but lies catch up with you sooner or later. |
| Do Your Best | Whether it was digging ditches or anything more complex, she believed in doing everything to the best of her ability, a lesson in excellence from both of my parents. |
| Dress to Impress | My mother was a fashion icon at our church and strongly believed in presenting oneself with dignity. This respect for personal appearance became my professional mantra, symbolizing respect and readiness. |
| Be Resilient in the Face of Hardship | At 79, my mother faced a potentially debilitating health crisis but found the strength to persevere and walk into her 80th birthday party. Her resilience taught me to persist when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges. |
These lessons are more than mere words; they reflect a life of purpose. My dad, Edward Elias, was definitely the man of our home. Yet, my mother was not only a leader at home and in church but in every aspect of her life, demonstrating what it means to live with integrity, courage, and dedication.
Today, I urge all my readers to remember that our upbringing shapes us as leaders. In a world that often forgets its roots, I stand proud of mine—a testament to a remarkable woman whose lessons continue to guide me. Let us honor our mothers on Mother’s Day and every day by living the values they have instilled in us.
