Grant Johnson: “Your identity is not wrapped up in the aircraft that you’re flying.”

S2:E7

Think about something in your life that you really, really wanted. It was always on your mind, and when you had the chance to finally grab hold of whatever it was you were wanting or striving toward, you came up short.

As we continue this multi-episode focus on the topic of identity, you’re going to hear from LT Grant Johnson, USN, as he shares his story of dreaming to be a jet pilot, only to come up short. If you subscribe to OCF’s COMMAND magazine, then you might have seen the article on identity in the Fall of 2020 that featured both Grant, and his wife, LT Hannah Johnson, USN. You’ll hear from Hannah in the next podcast episode.

Today, Grant’s going to unpack his story from that article in a bit more detail. You’ll hear about how that experience of coming up short shook his faith and his identity, and also what he’s still learning about his himself.

As you listen to Grant’s story, here are a few questions to ponder:

• Has there been a time in your life where you found yourself willing to ignore personal relationships, even your faith, to achieve a deeply held dream?
• How does mourning the loss of falling short of a goal or no longer being able to do it help you to accept what God wants to do differently in your life? Or does it?
• Think of a difficult time or circumstance in your life. What are some things from that experience that have made it possible to thank God or even be joyful about?
• Why is it important to recognize exactly what your identity is rooted in? How does what you deem as the priorities in your life negatively or positively shape your identity?
• How does processing your ambitions, goals, and dreams with God and trusted mentors or peers help you assess the condition of your heart concerning your identity?

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Comment below or email me at [email protected] or [email protected].