Tag Archives: Religion

Inspiration by Leadership Example

Over the past few months, the Air Force has made a point of celebrating its diversity, including significant events for Women’s History Month and production of an entire video by senior leadership entitled “Diversity and Equal Opportunity in Our Air Force.”

Notably, Brig. Gen. Ronnie Hawkins Jr. said that the examples he saw in a General Officer inspired him in his career:

I wouldn’t be where I am had I not seen another African American general officer back when I was a second lieutenant, and in so doing I said, ‘Hey, there is room and value for me.’

That same quality of inspiration was noted by Major Nicole Malachowski, the first female to fly as an Air Force Thunderbird, who herself was inspired by female aviators:

It means something for young people on the autograph line to see someone who looks like them. As a Thunderbird I was there to say, ‘of course you can.’

It is a virtual cliche that throughout history, men and women have been inspired when they have seen the success of people who were like them.  This is particularly true when those who have previously succeeded have done so in adverse or hostile environments.  Observing success in someone who shares qualities, values, or physical characteristics can inspire others like them to aim for similar success.

For that same reason, men and women of faith can be inspired when they see successful military officers express their faith.  Read more

Memorial Day 2009: Obama Calls for Day of Prayer

President Barack Obama signed a proclamation (pdf) for Memorial Day calling on Americans to remember the sacrifices of their servicmen and women, and to unite in prayer.  US law calls on the President to declare each Memorial Day as a “day of prayer for permanent peace” and designate a time for the country to unite in prayer.  A separate law designates 1500 local time as the “National Moment of Remembrance.”

From the proclamation Read more

Memorial Day 2009: Chaplains in the Foxhole

Army Chaplain (Capt.) James Key writes an interesting commentary in “Memorial Day from chaplain’s foxhole,” reiterating the important role Chaplains play to the lives and service of all military members, regardless of faith, or lack thereof.

Military chaplains guide Soldiers and their families through the ”Circle of Life” from births, baptisms, confirmations, marriage, illness and death. Our role is broader than a typical civilian minister because we have to connect Soldiers to God on a daily basis…

During my deployment I served as chaplain for a 600-Soldier logistics battalion in Baghdad. Whoever said ”there are no atheists in the foxhole” may have been absolutely right.

As is often the case, the Chaplain noted how needed their services are in support of combat roles, despite implications to the contrary Read more

American Idol Serving God and Country

Christianity Today covers former Top 5 American Idol contestant Phil Stacey, who is also a Navy Reservist and Christian. Asked if he could “end up like Elvis” and have to put a singing career on hold to serve, he said:

I suppose being called up is always a possibility, but that’s what I’m there for. I enlisted not long after September 11. I felt like if I’m supporting the efforts our country is doing against terrorism, then maybe I should put my money where my mouth is.

His “big picture” view is also evident in his admirable perspective on Christian service in the military:

It’s a great ministry opportunity. I think it’s important to have a presence around those young sailors. For people who get out of high school and go right into the military, every opportunity for being bad is presented to you immediately in the military. They need to see that life is full and abundant.

“God of Wonders” in Orbit and Afghanistan

Traditionally, Space Shuttle crews in orbit receive a musical “wake up call” at the end of their “sleep cycle” (“night” occurs every 90 minutes or so).  From the NASA website:

Wakeup calls are a long-standing tradition of the NASA program. Each day during the mission, flight controllers in the Mission Control Center will greet the crew with an appropriate musical interlude.  

Apparently, the music is chosen based on requests by the crew or their families.  This morning, the Atlantis crew awoke to “God of Wonders,” as performed by members of Third Day and Caedmon’s Call on the City on a Hill album, for astronaut Michael Good.  This morning’s transmission can be heard on NASA’s site.  After the song was played, Astronaut Mike Good said he looked forward to a productive day that would “bring glory to the Lord of all creation.”  From the transmission Read more

Some Upset at US Govt’s “Destruction” of Bibles

As previously discussed, the US military has said it destroyed the local language Bibles mailed into Afghanistan by a church in the United States.  Dr. Carl Moeller of Open Doors USA, which has ministries focused on delivering Bibles and support for persecuted Christians, called the destruction a waste that was “beyond necessity.”

There’s certainly many organizations that could put them to good use…I don’t think it had to go to the degree that they took it. I think it sets a very bad picture of the U.S. military’s perspective on Christianity, and frankly that troubles me.

CNN also covered the story (video). In the end, the military’s decision Read more

US Military Chaplains & al Jazeera, Redux

The internet is awash with people calling for court-martial and other repercussions for the soldiers shown on al Jazeera (as discussed previously).  Some have even said their actions are evidence of a larger conspiracy, and that they have endangered their fellow troops.

Problem is, they’re talking about fictional events Read more

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