Are you a leader or a follower?

It is easy to just go with the flow. First we can see what everyone around us is doing, and then decide to follow suit.

Why make a scene and cause an uncomfortable situation by standing out? We might as well just “fit in”?

While this is how we may feel at times, it can lead us down a path of unauthenticity, and a life which doesn’t express our true values and identity.

It takes courage and strength of character to swim against the tide. How can one find the strength to do so?

Noach was a righteous man, but wasn’t necessarily the greatest prophet or the most righteous in all of our history. But it was his circumstance that made him very remarkable.

He was surrounded by an entire world that was morally depraved. The society around him was indulged in thievery, adultery, murder, and the like. It is very difficult not to give in when you’re the only one. How long can someone last like that?

But Noach didn’t give in. The  world around was lost and taken over by temptation, while he lived a transcendent and meaningful life with value and purpose.

This led to him being saved by G-d from the flood and his family was then able to become the ancestors to all future generations.

This teaches us an important lesson of staying proud of our values in the face of adversity. We have nothing to be ashamed of. People around us are looking for a guiding light in their life. Taking a lesson from Noach, we can be that example.

Shabbat Shalom!