Navy Seals
Last weekend, the U.S. Navy SEAL museum opened to the public in San Diego, CA so my boys and I planned a whirlwind trip to go explore it. I wanted to use the road trip as a reconnection point. As my guys get older, and have more going on individually, it takes effort to all land in the same place at the same time. It took some doing, but we headed out after church for the trek to California.
I prayed that the short trip would be a fun and bonding adventure, even a reset as we head into the busy holiday season. I take lots of leadership lessons from Navy SEALs (US Navy Sea, Air, & Land Teams). Teamwork and unity are among their trademarks, so I prayed the boys would be more united together than ever, and that we Kohn men would be a force to be reckoned with as we live lives of service, continual growth, learning, and personal discipline.
The museum was incredibly beautiful, so well organized, and awe-inspiring. From the opening videos of SEALs personally telling their war stories and the Navy SEAL values posted all over the walls; to the details behind the covert and dangerous missions in hotspots around the globe, the evolving history of their gear and weapon systems, and the lessons hard earned and learned; it became clear that some of the elements that set the SEALs apart is their unique history, the language around which their powerful culture is built, and their core values, which are the foundation of their service, excellence, and unity.
Just take a look at to their ethos…
In times of war or uncertainty there is a special breed of warrior ready to answer our Nation’s call. Common citizens with uncommon desire to succeed. Forged by adversity, they stand alongside America’s finest special operations forces to serve their country, the American people, and protect their way of life. I am that warrior. It goes on to state: My word is my bond. I will never quit. I am never out of the fight. My training is never complete. I will not fail!
I was ready to sign up then and there!
After the museum, we drove to Coronado Island where Naval Special Warfare Command is housed. Coronado is home to BUDS (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL), the 33-week selection course that all would-be Navy SEALs must overcome. It includes Hell Week, a rigorous week of sleep deprivation, cold water, sand-chaffing, and limit- testing that is cause for the high attrition rates (between 70-80%) Navy SEAL training boasts.
Most of the training grounds are not visible from the road and you can’t just walk onto the base for a tour. But as we drove down the Silver Strand, we saw a group of Navy SEAL trainees working out on the infamous obstacle course. One was climbing the 60-foot-high cargo net, and another was on the slide for life, a 100-foot-long angled rope, 30 feet above the ground, with others following behind him climbing the multi-story tower. I was moved to tears seeing in person, young men work through these demanding obstacles to become the greatest of our country’s warfighters. They were just normal guys, but they had signed on to become part of something great!
I thought about how important it is for all of us to stand for something we believe in. To be part of something greater than our individual cells. And to establish non-– negotiable, language, and culture in our homes, churches, businesses, etc. That causes us all higher, that linked us to the past, and that inspires us toward powerful features.
Lions are to God’s Kingdom what Navy SEALs are to the US Special Forces. They lead the way. They believe deeply in a set of principles. They put in the work sharpening, honing, and improving their skills with diligence and discipline. They are mission focused to say the least and they are willing to give everything, even unto life itself, if need be, for mission accomplishment. Team and teammates come before self every time.
The Apostle Paul was a SEAL and a LION! He was always writing to call his friends and the churches he planted and influenced, higher. Philippians 1:27-29 says, “Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News. Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself. For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him.”
Lions…connect to the history of faith heroes who have gone before you. Build an ethos, craft a culture, value language that requires something from you and that inspires other. Press beyond and through the adversity life throw at you. Stay in the fight and live a life of great service and strength that would not only make our SEAL brothers proud, but that would point to Jesus, honor His strength and sacrifice, and model His passionate and purpose-filled love!