Notes from the Minister... In my first Licensing & Ordination interview with one of the L&O teams from Unity Worldwide Ministries, I ran across a minister who asked me how I “reconciled the rigidity of the Army with Unity ministry”. Like many people, he had a misconception fueled by Hollywood that everyone in the military is forced to become a mindless automaton, only capable of following orders. What I told him was that I believe that the United States Army is the most flexible organization I have ever been a part of, and cited my recent mission to Kuwait doing a “non-standard mission”, i.e., something completely different than what I have spent decades training to do. What I also did my best to impress upon him was that the armed services are first and foremost about service – service to our citizens, service to our nation, and service to those struggling for peace and freedom around our world. Furthermore, one of the Army Values is Selfless Service, which the Army teaches is: Put the welfare of the nation, the Army and your subordinates before your own. Selfless service is larger than just one person. In serving your country, you are doing your duty loyally without thought of recognition or gain. The basic building block of selfless service is the commitment of each team member to go a little further, endure a little longer, and look a little closer to see how he or she can add to the effort. As a Unity minister, and as a Truth Student, I strive to put the welfare of our world, our church, and my congregation before my own. I remember that this is all larger than just me. In serving this church, I do my duty without thought of recognition or gain. I commit myself to going a little further, enduring a little longer, and seeing how I can add to the effort of transforming lives through Divine Love that is the work of our church. And I remain flexible while doing it. This weekend, as we honor our nations Veterans, let us remember not to put them all in some sort of stereotyped box. Let us honor each of them for their selfless service, and the sacrifices they and their families have made for each and every one of us. And let us each find a way to serve selflessly, in our families, in our church, in our community, and in this awakening world. I am an American soldier, and I am a Unity minister, and it is my great joy and honor to be, as Jesus said, “among you as one who serves”. Rev. Charles
Posted on: Fri, 08 Nov 2013 15:08:11 +0000
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