Everyday Responsibility Breeds Leadership

Everyone knows about Paul Revere and his “midnight run” to warn American colonists that the British were coming.

But have you ever heard of Sybil Ludington?

In The Real History of the American Revolution, historian Alan Axelrod shares the following story:

“Paul Revere was not the Revolution’s only rider of note.

“Sixteen-year-old Sybil Ludington lived in the small Putnam County, New York village named for her family, Ludington Mills, the daughter of a Patriot militia colonel. On April 26, 1777, a messenger appeared at Ludington’s door, warning of the approach of the British.

“Colonel Ludington had little time to summon and organize his militiamen, who lived miles apart form one another across the countryside. The messenger and his horse were spent, and the colonel had to remain at home, planning the regiment’s action.

“It fell to Sybil, a strong and capable rider, and her horse, Star, to make a thirty-mile circuit through the night and rain sounding the alarm: ‘Muster at the Ludingtons!’”

A few lessons to learn from this:

First, you don’t have to be famous to make a difference. The world revolves around the efforts of unsung, yet dedicated heroes and heroines.

Second, Sybil had undoubtedly prepared for her moment of courage. When we are figuratively “tapped on the shoulder,” will we be similarly prepared? Or will the moment pass because we simply weren’t ready?

Leadership does not choose us; we must choose leadership. And that choice comes in the form of preparation — staying in the trenches, doing the hard work day in and day out.

It should also be noted that not everyone supported the Revolutionaries. In fact, about a third of the colonists actually supported the British.

Sybil rode anyway. She had the courage of her convictions. She knew what she stood for, and she was willing to die for her principles.

Like Sybil, you too can sound the call and rally forces in the support of great causes. You may be but a footnote in history, but your sincere, courageous efforts will impact generations.