Leadership Through Adversity: Lessons from a Public Servant

Sarahbeth Stone
Apr 22
5 min read

By Sarabeth Stone

One man’s journey from electoral defeat to becoming a respected public official contains valuable insights for business leaders across South Carolina. In his presentation to the South Carolina Christian Consortium, Greenville County Sheriff Hobart Lewis presented a compelling picture of what God can do through adversity if we remain resilient and reliant on Him. Lewis’s story illustrates how even great disappointments can become a foundation for meaningful leadership opportunities when placed in the hands of the Redeemer.

Let Crisis be a Catalyst

In his first run for Greenville Sheriff in 2016, Lewis lost by a mere 288 votes. Reeling from such a close loss, he was certain it was the end of his foray into politics. Only God knew how it would help shift his priorities and better enable him to accept a future opportunity to lead the Greenville County Sheriff’s department.

In time, Lewis redirected his energy toward entrepreneurship, establishing a tractor parts business with his son. Then, in September of 2016, Lewis suffered a heart attack that prompted profound self-reflection.

“When they told me an ambulance was on the way, I started negotiating with the Lord,” said Lewis. “I wanted to see my daughter go off to Clemson and my son get married...and then I realized I hadn’t yet called my wife! There is no negotiating with the Lord. But His goodness ensured that this series of events shifted things for the better. It helped me realize that my life and time with my family mattered more than anything.”

Lewis did get to see his daughter off to Clemson and his son married, happily leaving the election loss behind him. A few years later, the earlier setbacks would prove instrumental in preparing him for the leadership role he had once believed was no longer in his future.

Recognize Open Doors

In 2019 ethical lapses by the Republican opponent who had narrowly defeated him in the Greenville County Sheriff’s race came to light. Refusing to resign, Lewis’s predecessor was eventually convicted by a jury and sentenced to prison. Governor McMaster called a special election for the vacant Sheriff’s office.

“I didn’t want to run again,” shared Lewis. “My son didn’t understand and asked, ‘Weren’t you the one who told me I should go through God’s every open door and not knock down every closed door?’ Then, a man gave me a $500 check in our business parking lot. That same day, another man came with two $500 checks. I told my wife but added that I didn’t want her to go through another election. She graciously replied, ‘God has prepared you for this moment.’”

As he jumped into the race for Sheriff again, the campaign quickly got ugly. As often happens in South Carolina politics, powerful forces behind the scenes endeavored to smear Lewis’ moral character, broadcasting blatant lies. Despite the vitriol, Lewis managed to lead the field and eventually won the run-off against a Democratic candidate.

His first day in office as Greenville County Sheriff was March 16, 2020. Governor McMaster called and wanted Lewis to come to Columbia for a picture. Not many days after, the Governor shut down the state due to COVID-19.

Navigate Challenges by Seeking Wisdom

When he took office, Lewis faced a slew of major challenges besides the pandemic. Twelve lives were lost in a nightclub shooting, civil unrest was brought on by George Floyd’s death, and an officer was killed on I-85. He openly shares that God helped him get through all these difficulties.

His experiences of God’s faithfulness led Sheriff Lewis to urge business leaders to be bolder to share biblical principles in the workplace.

“I’ve been sued multiple times for naming Jesus publicly in my job, but I’ve won every time,” added Lewis. “We cannot give in to these people. They need God just as much as we do. We shouldn’t be afraid to tell anyone about our relationship with Jesus Christ. Life is short and we know how this life ends!”

Sheriff Lewis can relate to what can seem like mounting pressures for South Carolina’s business leaders. Whether its increasing regulatory burdens, economic volatility, supply chain disruptions, or political upheaval, business leaders have faced a lot of uncertainty in recent years. Lewis’s example demonstrates the importance of bringing God into our struggles, seeking to navigate every challenge with His wisdom. Only then are we sure to come out stronger on the other side.

Local Priorities that Need Prayer & Engagement

When asked what he views as the biggest priorities facing Greenville County, Lewis outlined three, although many more could be added to this list:

Young People Vaping Fentanyl: Nearly 50% of South Carolinian students in grades 9-12 have tried electronic vaping products, unaware of the risks it can pose. Today, most of the e-cigarettes and disposable vapes in the United States are from illicit sellers and can be laced with more than just candy flavored nicotine. Fentanyl can be hiding in these devices. It is important to educate our children about the life and death risks posed by these products.
Volunteers Serving the Local Community: Many local organizations do incredible work serving orphans and widows, men and women facing homelessness or addiction, Veterans, the elderly, and more. Most of these organizations need more volunteers to step in and serve wherever needed. Money helps but it is more important to show up in person. We should be the Gospel in action. The hands and feet of Jesus ought to be moving and doing, bringing His Kingdom to earth in every sphere of our lives.
Supporting and Praying for Law Enforcement: Every level of city and county law enforcement needs our constant prayers. Pray for wisdom, integrity, and protection over leaders, officers, staff, and their families.

Personal Resilience Translates to Organizational Excellence

While public service and private enterprise operate within different constraints, the need for selfless, fearless, biblical integrity remains consistent across sectors. Sheriff Lewis's journey demonstrates that our greatest setbacks can become divine appointments that refine character and prepare us for expanded influence. Business leaders who navigate challenges with grace and perseverance, recognize God-ordained opportunities, and seek heavenly wisdom in good times and bad will position themselves and their organizations for lasting impact.

Sarabeth Stone is a wife, mother, and freelance writer residing in the Upstate. Her background centers around public affairs and communications work with Fortune 500 companies, nonprofit entities, and organizations from a variety of industries.

Located in the Upstate, The South Carolina Christian Consortium connects South Carolina’s small business community with likeminded leaders. We host monthly luncheons where experts from a variety of industries come to encourage, equip, and educate you as a business leader. Come rub elbows with state and local elected officials, business owners, University leaders, and more at our events.