Ever wonder how people can be so incredible one minute, truly joyful, positive, and productive, seeking to only help others and nothing more? Then, a short while later, this same person is unrecognized as a selfish, egotistical, negative human being. How can one person exhibit such conflicting characteristics?
The answer lies in this week's Torah portion, Noach. There, we learn about his tragic fall from grace, possibly one of the worst in human history. At the beginning of the Torah portion, we're told Noah was the only one of his generation to listen to G-d. For decades, he built an Ark according to G-d's directive. Noach did everything according to Hashem's commands and single-handedly saved humanity and the world as we know it. Yes, the same man at the end of the Parshah resists repopulating the world and gets drunk, ultimately exposing himself embarrassingly to his three sons.
The truth is that Noach, although a righteous man in his own right, failed as a leader. He resisted the opportunity to inspire others and help them improve their lives; his focus was only on his own spirituality and connection with G-d. Thus, once he faced serious obstacles and challenges from the flood, he stumbled and fell prey to his temptations.
Noach failed to recognize one simple truth: leadership, although often challenging in the moment, strengthens us and empowers us to face the future no matter what it may bring. When we help others, we fortify our faith in the process. Often, the lack of focus on ourselves ultimately brings us the greatest success.
Mission: Become a leader, and you'll find strength in this current darkness you didn't know you had.