Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Go Navy!


I'm giving up doubting for Lent. Whenever I used to daydream about schools I’d like to teach at, the U.S. Naval Academy was always at the top of my list. Last fall I applied for a teaching position there and prayed very hard I'd get it, yet I convinced myself I wouldn't. 

Well, it’s official now. I got the job, beginning in July. I’m not going as part of the chapel staff (though that wouldn't be bad either!) but as a history instructor. It’s a three-year recall, which means I’ll be on active duty, serving in uniform and drawing my full pay and allowances as a Commander.  My family and I will have good income during hard economic times, and I'll be doing something I love and am passionate about.

Above my desk at work I have the following Bible verses: “Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass” (Psalm 37:4-5). 

9 comments:

  1. before commenting, I'd appreciate your views on the issues set forth at MilitaryReligiousFreedom.org ... specifically, whether you believe you must take your religious beliefs into the classroom or elsewhere on the Yard other than your particular religious services, your opinion on the flag-dipping controversy, and the noon meal prayer.

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  2. I take my beliefs, religious and otherwise, with me wherever I go. How could anyone not? That said, I am being hired to teach history, not Bible or theology. And I’m not going to USNA to serve as a chaplain (though I am one) or lead religious services. I don’t intend to proselytize or turn my lectern into a pulpit to preach my personal religious beliefs. If someone asks me about my faith, I will gladly share with them at the appropriate time and in the right place. I don’t think the Academy would want me to take up instruction time for the purpose of talking about my individual religious convictions when they are paying me to teach history. I am unfamiliar with the flag dipping or noon meal controversies at the Academy, so I cannot comment about them.

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  3. Travis, congratulations! God is good, and often he does delight in giving us the desires of our hearts. Blessings on your new assignment! -Chuck

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  4. Thanks ... it would appear you are a breath of fresh air ... if you would like to know more about these issues before you report, I can highly recommend www.MilitaryReligioousFreedom.org of which I am both a supporter and a contributor. Mind you ... I have absolutely no quarrel with anyone's personal beliefs, but I do object strenuously to unwanted prosletiyzing, especially of the kind going on unabated in our military and Academies today. The above referenced site will inform you of both the background -beginning at the U.S. Air Force Academy- and the continuing controversy throughout the military. If you have any questions, I'm sure Mikey Weinstein, founder of the foundation, USAFA '77, and former Reagan White House Legal Counsel would be more than happy to discuss particular issues with you. Thanks again !

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  5. Congratulations, Travis! I understand completely the grip of doubting. My husband and I had been waiting to hear back from graduate schools for several months, and after two rejections, I had almost stopped believing that the Lord would answer our prayers about being accepted. But on Thursday, the day I read this post, actually, we got news that my husband has been accepted into a very good school with full funding and a generous stipend. Thank the Lord for answering even our doubting hearts' prayers!

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  6. Travis, I am so glad for you and your family and reassured by your faith. I know things will get better for us, too. God has great things in store for us and I hope we don't get in His way and mess them up! It is hard to "be still and know He is God", but we are trying.
    All my best to your family, how is Amelias mother doing?

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  7. I share your excitement about a tour at USNA, having had two of them at USMA. I'm not a chaplain but a pastor in Minnesota. My son Buddy is an Army chaplain and an Iraq veteran. I look forward to reading your posts.
    Philip Winn LTC (Ret) USARNG
    www.reachingoutloud.blogspot.com

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  8. Welcome aboard and thank you and your son for your service. I hope you will find my blog inspiring, challenging, and, at times, controversial.

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  9. USNA Ancient,

    As a former student of Moger's, I can attest to his academic fairness. He is probably the most impartial professor I have ever had (between two institutions), and genuinely represents both sides of history in his lectures.

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