[…]is with a story. Decades ago as a lieutenant in 1964, I was to be aide to our new brigade commander, who was also a new brigadier general just arriving on Okinawa. At one of our first meetings, I asked him what my duties were. Mind you, he was a World War II and Korean War veteran with six Silver Stars and Five Purple Hearts; he had fought from Omaha beach to the Ruhr and later for two years in Korea. Needless to say I was a bit apprehensive, but his answer was profound. He said, “Let me tell you […]
[…]at through calm, calculated, inspired thought rather than reckless displays of power. Jesus command to Peter reveals that leaders who use overwhelming displays of power are not always effective at accomplishing the mission. His leadership style was that of influence and not the use of “shock and awe.” Faith and leadership are more appropriately modeled through keeping sight of how to achieve God’s purposes through godly influence, using softer tones, quieter approaches and direct resolve to see the mission through. Simply acting or reacting is not necessarily an effective leadership quality. Leading entails helping people see the bigger picture when […]
[…]when it came time to go, the chaplain had not arrived yet because of a special appointment. The command sergeant major, never wanting to hold things up necessarily, announced, “The chaplain isn’t here yet, so Colonel, you come on up and pray.” I did. Colonels obey command sergeants major if they are smart. Although we had never discussed it, he knew I would be comfortable praying because of the testimony of my life. In each of my assignments, I followed the same script of identifying myself as a Christian as part of my introduction. I also made it a habit […]
[…]and lived to honor God. Washington had an impact upon his men immediately upon his assumption of command. He knew that his men must have the inner faith of God to sustain them in the perilous times ahead. The day after assuming command, he issued the following order: The General most earnestly requires and expects a due observance of those articles of war established for the government of the army which forbid profane cursing, swearing and drunkenness. And in like manner, he requires and expects of all officers and soldiers not engaged in actual duty, a punctual attendance of Divine […]
[…]Vol. 38, No. 3: 3. 6 McColl, Denise. “Making the Most of Deployments: A Wife’s Perspective.” COMMAND, (Fall 1989) Vol. 38, No. 3: 12. 7 Roberts, 45. 8 Jackson, Admiral Grady. “President’s Letter.” COMMAND (Fall 1989) Vol. 38, No. 3: 1. 9 Modawell, Jelaine. “Look to God.” The Stars and Stripes, European Edition, 26 January 1996: 20. Carol Vandesteeg and her husband, Ren, are long time active members of OCF and reside in Universal City, TX, where Ren is a chaplain. They have two grown sons. We thank Cook Communications Ministries for allowing us to reprint this article from Carol […]
[…]campus. A necessary and respected place. Thanks, Wheaton, for providing it. Reprinted from Wheaton Magazine, spring 2000. Used by permission of the […]
