Strength

"Strength to get over yourself," (You Tube, 2008). 

It's strange that we assimilate strength and ourselves. Firefighting is a team effort. Like the Army, one soldier doesn't win a war; likewise, one firefighter doesn't put out the fire. You might argue that only the one on the nozzle puts the fire out but what about the crew humping the hose around or the engine operator pumping water to the tip? We too, must have strength to over ourselves.

When was the last time you were on a scene and thought you were a part of a highly skilled and functioning operation? Did you think: I did awesome...or...I'm was part of the team? We can have confidence in our abilities but do others? Can people rely on you to do the seemingly meaningless tasks (like lighting, traffic duty, or RIT). Without every person doing the task at hand the entire operation "goes South."

Firefighters are incredibly competitive; however, we have to learn when competitiveness stops and teamwork begins.

Joshua 1:8 says, "Be strong and of good courage." Why did God tell Joshua to be strong and courageous? Was it because Joshua had what it took to do the job by himself? God told Joshua to be strong and courageous because God was on his team.

Who's on your team?

IRAQ: Finding Peace?

It's easy to watch the news and hear reports of young men and women dying in the fight across the seas. Just after watching a report of a LODD the story changes to Anna Nichole Smith. Today we are on "information overload." I take it to heart each time I hear of another "one of the best" dying for their community and country. I take a minute out of my busy day and think about all the people those soldiers (and sailors) leave behind. They have spouses, children, friends, and a neighborhood that are beginning to feel the loss. Do you stop and think?

Many of you know I have a twin brother over in Iraq as we speak. He's a doorgunner/rescue swimmer on a Seahawk helo. I always kid him because there's not much swimming going on in the "sandbox." When I hear stories of soldier's dying I think of my bro. I know he's as trained as he can be and in the hands of the Ultimate Commander in Chief. The fact he is a believer, and walking in faith gives me peace. As any first responder knows, sometimes circumstances can seem overwhelming and too big for us to take in all at once. It is my hope and mission, to point everyone to the source of peace in the eye of the storm. Where do you look when your world gets flipped upside down? Do you freeze? Reach out to your significant other? Do you allow God to be your peace?

Check out this video of the Seahawk in action. It doesn't do my brother justice--since it only shows the helo over water.

A Good Soldier

"You therefore must endure hardship as a good solier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warefare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier." (2 Timothy 2:3-4). Our Ultimate Chief gave me these words last night. Sometimes I forget what it costs to follow Him; it causes pain, anguish, suffering, and death. However, the price we pay to honor our Commander in Chief pales in comparison with the life and victory we can experience after the suffering. May Christ always be found glorified on our lips. Amen (it's done).