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Ready — Benjamin Lay’s name isn’t the first that comes to mind when you think of reformers in American history. A four-foot-tall Quaker with a hunchback and fiery spirit, Lay was a one-man revolution against slavery a full century before the Civil War.
Set — Born in 1682, Benjamin Lay believed slavery was evil long before it became a national conversation. He wasn’t content to quietly disagree. He spoke out, acted out, and even shocked his fellow Quakers into paying attention. His leadership style was confrontational but rooted in deep conviction.
Here are four leadership lessons from Benjamin Lay’s life:
Lead from Conviction: Lay didn’t wait for others to agree. While most Quakers tolerated slavery, he called it sin. He stayed grounded in biblical truth, not public opinion.
Be Willing to Stand Alone: Lay was banned from meetings and labeled a fanatic. But he stayed the course. He walked alone because the path was right.
Use Creative Action: Lay staged dramatic protests that caught the attention of others. Once, he pierced a Bible filled with fake blood to show that slaveholders were violating God’s Word. His tactics got attention because they were impossible to ignore.
Let Character Match Courage: Lay lived simply, refused to eat or wear anything produced by slave labor, and cared for the poor. His integrity gave credibility to his message.
Grow! — The world needs people willing to speak truth in love, and sometimes with fire. Leadership isn’t just about position, title, or applause. It’s about standing tall when others shrink back. Stature doesn’t determine impact. Integrity does. Courage does. Action does. Like Lay, leaders speak truth, even when it’s unpopular.
Two Questions
When was the last time you led with conviction?
Is there a bold action step you need to take?