Follow the Leader by Carolyn Greene

Fourteen antsy clowns stood in the parade line up. This was our first parade. I waited in line to sign in. Finally, the parade master placed us in the sixth slot directly behind a high school marching band. I smiled and asked, “Exactly where are we going? I am not familiar with the parade route."

“Just follow the band in front of you,” replied the parade master.

“‘Follow the Leader.’ That’s a game I can play!” Moments later I returned to our group. As the parade began, Gilbert asked, “Where are we going?” Pointing ahead at the band already resounding their first piece of music I shouted, “Follow the Leader!”

We marched down Main Street performing clown antics, always keeping in step with the marching band. Unknown to us, the band planned to avoid after parade traffic and leave a little early. So one block past the judge’s stand, they left the designated route and headed to their bus…

As we faithfully followed the marching band, we led an entourage down a side street including four antique tractors, a vintage car carrying a beauty queen and a troop of boy scouts. It seemed that every parade entry received the same instruction to, “Follow the Leader.”

To our surprise, the marching band doubled their pace when they realized that the entire parade followed them down the wrong route. Suddenly, we were leading the parade!

As Christians we are instructed to “Follow the Leader.” Jesus said, “Follow me.” Paul said, “Follow me as I follow Christ.” My parade experience taught me that when you play follow the leader, it’s wise to make sure the leader knows where he is going – or you could end up following a bunch of clowns!