164 THE BIBLE ON LEADERSHIP
resolute, and now’s an opportunity to do generations a favor by whipping
terrorism, hunting it down, binding it and holding them accountable...
This country will not relent until we have saved ourselves and others from
the terrible tragedy that came upon America.^12Bush’s statement is reminiscent of Ezekiel 2:6: ‘‘Do not be afraid,
though briers and thorns are all around you and you live among scorpi-
ons.’’ His courage inspired all those around him—his immediate staff,
the entire country, and the foreign leaders whose help he enlisted in
repulsing the ‘‘briers, thorns, and scorpions.’’ Although he did not
quote the Bible exactly, many of Bush’s words were in consonance with
the words of Chronicles: ‘‘Do not be afraid or discouraged... for there
is a greater power with us than with him.’’ (2 Chron. 32:6–7)
Mary Kay Ash founded an amazingly successful and unique company,
but courage has been as essential an ingredient as the fragrances, pow-
ders, and creams her organization sells. It is easy to point to Ash’s recent
success, but when she first envisioned her company, her attorney’s dis-
couraging message was, ‘‘If you are going to throw away your life’s
savings ($5,000), why don’t you just put it directly in the trash can?’’
Her accountant had a similar message.
But Ash had a strong vision backed up by a strong sense of courage.
She put every cent she had into the business and recruited her husband
to be in charge of ‘‘administration,’’ a term that must have seemed
laughable when ‘‘company headquarters’’ was the kitchen table. Her
‘‘heart’’ was tested even further when her husband had a heart attack
and died at that kitchen table a month later.^13
Her husband’s death would have been the final blow to someone
with less courage. Surrounded by the ‘‘briers and scorpions’’ of doubt
and ‘‘certain failure,’’ Ash had lost her chief ally and staunchest business
supporter, in addition to her life’s partner. But she continued to pursue
her dream. Today, the company she founded has sales of over $1 billion,
employs 3,500 people, and has over 500,000 direct sales consultants. Of
Ash it can truly be said, ‘‘You were wearied... but you would not say,
‘It is hopeless.’ You found renewal of strength, and so you did not
faint.’’ (Isa. 57:10)