1 John 3:18 NLT, “Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.”
Last month, I had the pleasure of attending a webinar and heard Anne Beiler speak, the founder of Auntie Anne’s, the world’s largest pretzel franchise. As she candidly shared about her faith in Jesus Christ, and how He helped her to grow personally and professionally, I was inspired. She said she always felt so small and insignificant as a person, and had to learn to believe that she is who God says she is.
I have enjoyed Auntie Anne’s pretzels numerous times in the past while at the shopping mall. Most recently while my daughter was visiting from Spain this summer, we had some of these delicious pretzels; however, I had never heard the story behind it all. She brought much hope to those of us who want to lead like Jesus in our daily lives.

Some points she made about leadership are below:
Lead by example:
We often hear this, but to actually do it takes perseverance because we sometimes have to go against the grain, and choose the ways of Jesus over the ways of friends, family, or others we are around. (Matthew 19:29)
Invest in others and respect them:
We live in a world where we are encouraged to selfishly put our own needs before the needs of others. But Jesus says to think of others first and love them. Kindness and compassion are needed in our world. (Philippians 2:3-4)
Do not engage in negativity:
This is a reminder to avoid godless chatter and useless arguments. In the world of social media, it’s easy to get caught up in negativity. We must even guard against negativity in our personal lives and in the workplace. It’s not necessary to respond to every negative thing that comes our way. (2 Timothy 2:16)
Trying to be perfect is impossible:
Excellence is possible, but perfection is not. Represent Jesus by striving for excellence, which simply means doing things to the best of your ability. He is our strength. (1 Peter 2:9)
Do not compromise truth:
Be who you are in Jesus Christ, and set a good example of His love to those around you. Make wise choices and act in a way that reflects His glory. Stand for the truth in God’s Word. (John 17:17)
Previous Lead Like Jesus post: Lead like Jesus : Heart, Head, Hands & Habits
My wife and I LOVE Auntie Anne’s pretzels! Thank you for sharing the rest of the story, Dawn. Fear does indeed stop more people in their tracks than failure. When I was younger, I was often risk-averse when it came to personal growth opportunities. Now, as a middle-aged guy, I’ve learned to just GO FOR IT! Anne’s point about striving for excellence, rather than perfection, really hits home with me. I tend to want everything to be just so, and that’s not always possible. It’s also good advice to not “swing at every pitch” that comes your way. Many negative thoughts and circumstances aren’t worthy of a response. There’s so much good stuff here, Dawn! Thank you, and God Bless!
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You’re welcome David! Glad you enjoyed the points. I too am learning to go for it. It’s difficult to come out of the comfort zone and step out. Fear can hold us back if we let it, but knowing we don’t have to be perfect is a big help! We can trust God and choose faith over fear! Blessings! 🤗
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Wow, such a great post. love the pretzels. And I am so thankful that you shared the background and learning experiences with us. These are great tips to remember in all facets of life. Blessings, Dawn! ♥️
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Thank you! And you’re welcome Bridget! Those pretzels are good lol! It’s inspiring to here where people have come from, it’s helps us on our journey. Blessings! 🤗
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Such good points of what it takes to lead like Jesus. That quote is so true – fear does indeed kills more dreams than failure
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Yes fear is a killer. May God give us strength to choose faith and trust so we can accomplish His will. 🤗
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Wise words from Auntie Anne. I like how she brings out the difference between excellence and perfection. When we strive to do things to the best of our abilities God will extend our best to perfection. I pray that the Lord will help us to be more like Him. Blessings and have a great week.❤
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I liked that too! Wanting to be perfect can hold us back but trusting God to empower us to do more than we imagined is what brings success. Blessings Beverley! Thanks you too. ❤️
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i like this
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Thank you James!
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Dawn, your post is a blessing to read. I was encouraged to take a few minutes to read more about Anne Beiler. While I admit to eating a few of Auntie Anne’s pretzels, learning some about her life story and her faith satisfies my hunger in ways a pretzel never can.
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Lol. I agree, it was satisfying to learn about her story and her faith. I had no idea she was a fellow Christian.
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These are very good points, and can honestly be hard to achieve. Thank you for sharing I believe that it really gives food for thought.
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Thank you Domeka. You’re right, it’s not easy to achieve these things. Many challenges come our way at times.
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Absolutely wonderful Dawn. Thanks for sharing, I did not know auntie Anne was a Christian.
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I didn’t know either. I really enjoyed finding out more about her. Thank you Brenda!
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These are such wise principles to live by, and I’m thankful that she lives by and encourages godly living. I’ve always loved Auntie Anne’s pretzels and now I love them even more! Thanks for sharing, Dawn.
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You’re welcome Patty! I am also thankful she lives by them. And I agree, I love the pretzels even more too!
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Her leadership examples seem so simple yet too many don’t see it this way. Thank you for sharing this with us. I’m definitely taking notes! ( And, craving Auntie Anne’s pretzels! 🥨)
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You’re welcome! Glad you found value in the examples. I could use a pretzel too lol. Thanks for sharing also.
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Thank you so much for sharing this Dawn!! I appreciate you dear Sister!
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You’re welcome ❤️
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Pretzels are one of the things I miss about being gluten free.
I love her principles. Investing in others is exactly what Jesus does with us
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Hopefully they will get gluten free ones soon. Me too. Jesus always thinks of others.
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I have literally taken notes lol. Richest post I have read today.
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Thank you! Glad it was helpful 🤗
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She is a wise woman. I love her principles on leadership, especially the 2&4. 📌
Happy Sunday, big sis. 🤗
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Yes I appreciated her wisdom. These were helpful points. Hope you enjoyed your weekend. Have a blessed day lil sis 💕☀️
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Glad to know this sis. ❤️
Yes I did.
Thank you. 🤗
Wishing you a blessed week.
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Thanks lil sis! Blessings upon your week too. 🤗
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Great post and sharing quote on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
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Thank you for sharing Tangie! Blessings ❤️
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