Conflicting guidance when you're in chaos.

Exodus 14:13-16

My last reflection focused on the quick turn in the Israelites’ perspective when they went from confidently leaving Egypt to being pursued by their army. Israel’s back was to the sea, and they were getting conflicting messages about what to do:

And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”

The Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward. Lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the people of Israel may go through the sea on dry ground.” (Exodus 14:13-16)

Moses: “Fear not! Stand firm! Just watch and be silent!”

God: “Stop complaining! Get going! Go forward to the sea!”

Israel: “Well, which is it? We have no good options here!”

My childhood recollection about the parting of the waters centers on the chaos of the Egyptians when they realize they are in trouble, with the Israelites standing relieved on the far shore. But the first round of chaos is actually with Israel. With an army about to attack, they hear confusing instructions from Moses and God. I guess it never looks as chaotic from afar, or when looking back, as it feels when you are in the middle of it!

There is no shortage of chaos and conflicting directions in families or family businesses. You deal with conflict, anger, and uncertainty between people; family members urging you to “do this” or “stop that.” (If you need a reminder, ask everyone in your family business for input on your estate plan!) And it’s not just family: customer problems, employee challenges, vendor frustrations, rapid growth, or fear-inducing downturns all seem to produce a cacophony of voices telling you what you should do. After you get through it — and you will get through it — it’s almost unbelievable how hard and chaotic and conflict-ridden that period of time in your life was.

Can you recall a wildly chaotic time in your family or family business, or time when you heard conflicting instructions from sources you trust? How did you determine which direction to take?