As a retired TSA officer, in some ways I feel like a former officer. And as a retired Commissioner, I probably get a little more respect than others, but believe me there are a lot of similarities between “former” and “sent out to pasture.” I’ll not bore you with the parallels, except to say that since being “pasturized” my understanding and empathy has increased greatly.
This said to plug a blog site for former Salvation Army officers, www.fsaof.blogspot.com. I drop in periodically because the well-written posts and discussion following helps me keep everything in perspective. I would recommend the same for every not yet “pasturized” leader because your day is coming soon (considering the age at which most top leaders are appointed), but more importantly because the insight gained there will provide balance to your personnel related decision making during the interim.
JN
"TO MAKE DEEP CHANGE IN AN ORGANIZATION, WE BEGIN BY MAKING DEEP CHANGE IN OURSELVES!"
Slightly Irregular!
4 comments:
Many thanks for your kind words and support. You and Commissioner Jim Knaggs were the first two leaders to recognize the 'formers' fellowship, and to acknowledge greater SA understanding, compassion and after-care might be among the necessary characteristics needed in the effort to have some return to active service. And that is indeed a part of the success we can point to, with thanks to God !
We number 300+ world wide, and here in the UKT we are being recognized and received respectfully by leadership. I expect we'll enter into serious dialogue in the near future, the intent being to garner greater understanding relative to the needs of 'formers' and the FSAOF' assistance in providing counseling to those contemplating resignation. And practical help to those who leave 'the work'
Thank you Commissioner. We are at times a contrary group of writers and commentators but I believe we are pure in spirit and intent and only mean the best for all involved. It's just so darn hard when the world doesn't think like me she said with a bit of humor and sarcasm. Although I enjoy the witty camaraderie of most of my fellow formers I oft feel like a lone wolf for my liberal beliefs. I require a bit more thinking and evidence than the frequent trite responses to difficult questions.
But...I am who I am and I believe what I believe and in spite of what others believe I believe God loves me, Jesus saves me, and the Holy Ghost fills me. Hallelujah!
What more could you wish to believe Deb's? Sounds pretty good to me and I reckon God will sort the rest out ... if it's important in Heaven. Although I tend to think all these things will pale into insignificance once there.
GBY real good!
Commish ... thank you for your support. It is good to have you on board. Thank you for your valuable contribution to our blog. For your belief in us or perhaps more to the point for recognising our worth , our value.
Former USA East
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