GlocalNet

I don’t know when I’ve been around someone who has been more impressive and impactful than Christina Jill Roberts.  She is the local pastor in the global impact area of Northwood Church that Pastor Matt Robertson heads up.  She is in charge of everything locally from inner-city to refugees to volunteer engagement.  I’ve known of her and followed her ministry the past few years, but she wound up being a part of a delegation to Saudi Arabia with me.  She’s 23 and when I listened to her, watched her, observed her interacting with world leaders, the media, and people at large she gave me great hope for her generation and the future of our world and relations between nations. What stood out?

First, she listened a lot.  She recognized that she was in a different culture where women weren’t the first to speak loudly out in public (which I hear she is), or supposed to give their opinions unsolicited.  One of the keys for leadership in the future isn’t for people to spout who they are, what they think, and what they do - but to first listen.  In this global culture where everyone is present at once, listening is not a nice thing to do - but a critical thing to do if you are going to communicate and build relationships. 

Second, she rolled with the culture.  Whether it was going through a special entrance for women at the airport (which she got lost a time or two) or not shaking hands, but then shaking hands when a man extended his hand - she stayed calm and read the moment.  That is a skill that can’t be taught easily.  She was incredibly diplomatic and gracious.  She also asked questions about the culture and was very affirming of the Saudi people.  Towards the end of the week, several people had found out about a young 23 year old woman in Saudi Arabia from the U.S. and they were asking her to come and visit.  She opened herself up to many different relationships with ladies and young women.

Third, she was very articulate and thoughtful in her answers with the media.  Instead of critiquing the Saudis on this or that, she focused on what they were doing that was exceptional and used the media to build bridges.  She represented Americans and followers of Jesus extremely well.  I’ve never seen a 23 year old give a more exceptional interview than what I saw.  I was nervous when they began to ask her questions - I shouldn’t have been. 

Fourth, she was always taking advantage, when asked, to talk about ways that Saudi young people and American young people can connect.  She shared how that when she got her social work degree one of the students in her class was a young lady who was a Saudi.  We had the privilege of meeting with many young Saudi men and women, and if these are the people that will be leading the nation in the next 20 years - I’m excited about the future of our nations. 

Fifth, she hid her tattoos really good.  She isn’t that tatted up - but different cultures have different views on that.  The point is that she was being sensitive to the norms and mores of a different culture.  Once on the plane back to the U.S. - it was Wild Jill rock and roll.  If Jill is representative of the young people driving our nation now and in the next 20 years - I’m equally about confident the future of our nation.