By Verónica Rodríguez Navarro
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In the spring, Mexico City is characterized by its brilliant purple hue, thanks to the jacaranda blossoms that adorn the branches of its trees. However, there is one particular detail about these trees that has always caught my attention: their branches and trunks appear to be dry. Yet, they bloom nonetheless, and their beauty transforms their surroundings. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these trees possess other distinctive traits: sturdy roots that develop patiently, flowers that emerge before the leaves, and seeds that are scattered throughout the city. What is truly remarkable about these trees is that year after year, even when they appear to be devoid of life, they continue to bloom. They continue to give life!
In leadership, there are times when we experience something like what these jacaranda trees display. Allow me to describe these characteristics, and, together, let us admire the beauty of this season in our leadership.
They bloom even in dry seasons.
Jacaranda trees typically bloom when their branches appear dry and leafless. As leaders, we do not depend on ideal circumstances to bear fruit. There will be times when we see no evidence of our work, and doubts will arise, causing us to ask ourselves: Was I truly chosen and called to head a specific ministry, lead projects, or remain in the position I currently hold?
Our leadership does not depend on ideal circumstances to continue inspiring, serving, and fostering hope. Our leadership depends on God, the One who called us and who produces within us the very fruit to which we were called.
Her beauty transforms the surroundings.
When jacarandas bloom, they completely transform the atmosphere of streets and parks with their purple hue. In the realm of leadership, this reflects the presence and attitude through which we can positively influence our family, professional, and ministry environments.
You would be surprised to realize how many women admire you, find beauty in your presence, and see the lasting imprint your leadership has left on those around you. When you bloom, other women bloom right alongside you.
They have firm roots and patient growth.
Jacaranda trees take years to fully mature, but once they grow, they remain strong and resilient. Leadership is not built in haste; it requires time to develop through experiences, processes, successes, and mistakes that lead to the acquisition of maturity and proven character.
It also requires depth of knowledge, an inner life, clear convictions, and a solid relationship with God and with others. Likewise, it demands steadfastness, remaining faithful even when we go unrecognized. As leaders, we must continue serving, learning, and moving forward, even during difficult times or periods of silence.
And finally, it requires firm roots, formed by the values and character that sustain a person when trials or difficulties arise. These roots prevent us, as leaders, from crumbling.
Its flowers appear before the leaves.
On many occasions, the jacaranda tree blooms before fully regaining its foliage. In the context of leadership, this signifies that, even amidst processes of personal renewal, we must continue to be a blessing to others. It teaches us that we must persist in fulfilling our purpose in leadership and service while we continue to grow, or even while we are still healing.
At times, we may contemplate stepping aside to complete the renewal we are undergoing and to feel fully ready; however, it is precisely in those moments that a miraculous recovery takes place, and we witness the strength with which we continue to grow.
They scatter their seeds into the distance.
Jacaranda trees produce lightweight seeds that the wind carries far away, allowing new trees to grow in other places. In the same way, in leadership, we must possess the capacity to multiply our influence, just as CLLI does, by training other leaders and building and leaving a legacy for women.
We need to understand that a true leader not only impacts her present but also prepares and serves future generations.
Finally, just like the jacarandas, there will be seasons in our leadership when it seems as though we are passing through periods of dryness, weariness, or silence. There will be moments when, from the outside, it appears that no strength remains; yet, when our roots remain in God, we continue to flourish. We continue to give life.
The promise of Isaiah 27:6 declares: “In days to come Jacob shall take root; Israel shall blossom and put forth shoots and fill the whole world with fruit.” God continues to shape women who take deep root, blossom in their time, and fill their surroundings with fruit.
Just as jacarandas transform the city every spring, we too can transform the places where God has placed us. Even in difficult seasons, we continue serving, lifting others, sowing hope, and, by the grace of God, we continue giving life.
Verónica Rodríguez Navarro is the Director of the Hudbe School of Music and Ministerial Training and the Coordinator of the Christian Institute for Latina Leaders (CLLI) in Mexico City. She holds a bachelor’s degree in music ministry and Ministerial Training from the Mexican Baptist Theological Seminary in Mexico City, as well as a Certificate in Leadership Studies from the Christian Institute for Latina Leaders (CLLI). She is currently pursuing a master’s degree at Palmer Theological Seminary.
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