Lynda Johnson: “I no longer see myself as the star of my movie”

S2:E6

In this episode, OCF Communications Intern Joshua Schumacher interviews MAJ Lynda Johnson, USA (Ret.).

Who am I? That was the big question behind the article that I wrote for COMMAND magazine in the fall of 2020.

The article, which focused on the topic of identity, briefly included the story of Lynda Johnson and how her identity was shaken after she was told she couldn’t run anymore unless she wanted to risk more damage to her health. As it turns out, there is a whole lot more to her story than what we covered in COMMAND. Today, you’ll hear both her life story and the story of how she found her identity in Christ as she shares her testimony of military life at the intersection of faith, family, and profession.

As you listen to Lynda’s story, here are four questions to consider:

1. Lacking her Christ-centered identity, Lynda’s self-described work ethic was a “dream for bosses” but a “nightmare for subordinates and peers.” How would those you lead describe your treatment of them?
2. What do you think Lynda means when it comes to identifying in Christ that “I longer see myself as the star of my movie that God had already seen before”?
3. “Embracing powerlessness in self” is an important aspect of developing our identity in Christ. How does the restraint of our power in our professional, personal, and societal relationships allow others to benefit?
4. Meekness is fully grasping God’s grace, to receive what we’re undeserving of, such as eternal life. How does having our identity in Christ help us model the meekness He demonstrated in a world that scorns meekness as weakness?

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