OCF Crosspoint Podcast

Show Notes:

Jesus follower, wife, mother, military veteran, USAFA '97 graduate, counselor, nutritional healing-foods lover, author. These phrases all describe today's guest, Aurelia Smith. Aurelia served as an active-duty Air Force officer both in the United States and abroad and separated from the military in 2002 as a Captain, and she's been involved with OCF in many capacities since her cadet years.

GRACE: God's Reconciliation At Christ's Expense.

To say race relations is a complex issue is an understatement, and every facet of this topic cannot be covered in this one episode. Aurelia and I simply sat down to start the conversation, talk through Aurelia's experiences in the military community, and her passion for helping other believers answer the question: How do I minister to the person in front of me who's hurting from an ethnic or cultural incident?

Aurelia and I are both members of OCF's R7:9 Project (Revelation 7:9) committee, which examines the critical subject of race relations and explores how believers should engage in this topic in a biblical manner.

Throughout this episode, Aurelia mentions a few books and resources linked below:

• One Race One Blood: The Biblical Answer to Racism by Ken Ham and Charles Ware
• Weep with Me: How Lament Opens a Door for Racial Reconciliation by Mark Vroegop
• Ministering to Military Women: Biblical Help & Hope by Aurelia Smith
• Truth in Love podcast, episode 358
• Truth in Love podcast, episode 369
• Programs at Spring Canyon
• Programs at White Sulphur Springs
• Caleb Challenge Career Transitions Strategies

If you have an idea for a guest, topic, or story that I should consider for a future episode of the show, send an email to [email protected] or visit OCF's new "Be a Guest" webpage.

As you listen to this conversation with Aurelia, here are a few questions to ponder in your personal time, with a small group, or with a mentor:

1. What does it look like to engage with race relations in a biblical manner as Christ followers?
2. How should the passages Aurelia read from John chapters 13 and 17 shape our understanding of the love and unity to which we're called?
3. How can you align your heart with God's heart for the nations expressed in Revelation 7:9?
4. In what ways does your local church engage with today's topic?
5. How would you respond to the first situation Aurelia described in which an interracial couple faces backlash within the church body?
6. What Scripture would you share with Adam in the second scenario?
7. What counsel would you give Tanya in the third scenario?
8. How can OCF as a ministry to the military community continue to engage with the topic of GRACE relations? Contact R7:9 Project Coordinator Larry Simpson to continue the conversation: [email protected].

What keeps you from sharing your faith with others? I sat down with Capt Ryan McCary, ANG, to talk about this question and others. Ryan shares his own story of growing up in a missionary family, joining AFROTC at the University of Central Florida, and debating between military service and vocational ministry. He recounts his own failures to share his faith and how the Lord changed Him through those experiences, then he offers practical steps on how to be bold in your faith today.

Ryan also hosts his own podcast. Check out his MIL SPEC Believer podcast and follow him on Instagram (@mil_spec_believer) to stay connected with Ryan as he continues the conversation about being a Christian in the military.

If you have an idea for a guest, topic, or story that I should consider for a future episode of the show, send an email to [email protected] or visit OCF's new "Be a Guest" webpage.

As you listen to this conversation with Ryan, here are a few questions to ponder in your personal time or with a small group or mentor:

1. How would you define a "testimony"?
2. When was a time you saw the Lord work through someone sharing their testimony, and why was it so impactful?
3. How do you stay "prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have," as 1 Peter 3:15 exhorts?
4. What's the value of not only reflecting on your story but sharing it as well?
5. Can God use failure both in your individual story and His bigger story?
6. What practical step can you take to be bold for Christ and share the story He's given you?

I interviewed Maj Chris Reardon, USMC, who shares his testimony as well as his experiences with integrating faith and profession. For some people, that can perhaps be an ambiguous topic. What exactly does it mean to integrate faith and profession? Chris unpacks what that looks like for him as a Marine and shares some practical application.

In the spirit of the topic, Chris also talks about his nonprofit called Freedom Fitness America, a fusion of fitness and faith, as a means of integrating his faith and profession and helping others do the same.

This conversation with Chris kicks off the third season of OCF Crosspoint, and don't miss the episodes to come in the months ahead. If you have an idea for a guest, topic, or story that I should consider for a future episode of the show, send an email to [email protected] or visit OCF's new "Be a Guest" webpage.

Places to find FFA online:

• Website: https://freedomfitnessamerica.org
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freedomfitnessamerica
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fit4thefightlife
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/freedom-fitness-america/
• LinkedIn Personal Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisreardon7872
• YouTube "Shoot, Move, Communicate" Channel:https://www.youtube.com/c/ShootMoveCommunicate

Questions to ponder:

As you listen to Chris' story, here are a few questions to ponder in your personal time or with a small group or mentor:

1. Chris shares that he knew from a young age that he wanted to serve in the military, but his father "was not keen" on Chris' aspirations. How do we as Christians seek to honor our father and mother as we're commanded to while also honoring what the Lord puts on our hearts to do?
2. How did hearing Chris' experiences of integrating faith and profession shape your understanding of intertwining those two facets of life? What does it mean to you to integrate faith and profession?
3. Recall a time in your own life when you submitted to the Lord's calling. How did obeying Him in that circumstance change your relationship with Him?
4. What are your thoughts on Chris' comparison of a Christian in the military to a palm tree?
5. Chris shares that a friend often used tracts to share Christ with strangers while the Lord showed Chris He would use his relationships instead. How are these two approaches to telling others about Christ effective in different ways?
6. How can you come alongside the chaplaincy in your own life to make an impact for the Kingdom together?
7. Consider your own God-given skills, talents, and passions. How could God use these unique interests of yours to glorify Himself?

This episode marks the end of season 2 of OCF Crosspoint. Thank you to each of our listeners, whether you're tuning in for the first time or you're a longtime listener. If you haven't heard each episode this season, be sure to go back to episode 1 and catch up on some amazing stories.

Was there an episode that really stood out to you this season? Maybe one that you could relate to on some level or that had some other significance? If so, I'd really like to hear from you. Share your favorite episode with me at [email protected].

Likewise, a big thank-you to all of my guests this season. I appreciate the willingness of each guest to share some deep and personal parts of their life stories.

As we head into this break between podcast seasons and start working on interviews for season 3 in April, here are three ways you can help the podcast:

1. First, if you have an idea for a guest, topic, or story that should be considered for the podcast, send an email to me at [email protected] and let me know. At least a couple episodes in season 2 happened as a result of listeners like you reaching with ideas.
2. Next, if you think OCF Crosspoint is a valuable resource, would you consider leaving a review for the show wherever you listen to podcasts, and would you also tell someone else about this podcast? We've found that word-of-mouth advertising is extremely helpful in getting the word out to others about the show.
3. And finally, since this podcast is a resource of Officers' Christian Fellowship, be sure to find out more about OCF if you haven't heard of our ministry. Otherwise, take a look at the website for ways to get involved in OCF, for additional resources to help you integrate your spiritual calling and military calling, and with winter approaching, check out the holiday programs at our two conference centers, Spring Canyon and White Sulphur Springs.

My guest this episode is ENS Nelson Chiaravallotti, USN. Here are a few questions to ponder as you listen to his story of military life at the intersection of faith, family, and profession.

• Nelson's childhood desire to become a Navy officer was sparked by his parents, both Navy commanders, and their friends, who he calls "role models," for the way they lived out their Christian faith and character in leadership. Of those in your life who influenced you either positively or negatively, what are some of the ways you have built upon the positive examples? What about the negative ones?
• Nelson emphasizes several times about the quality of perseverance—which he defines as an "enduring and faithful pursuit in the face of affliction," essential to the Christian walk, and is "built on your why," which is trust in God. Consider this Scripture: "…we also celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character" (Romans 5:3-4, NKJV). How do all those things help hone Christlike leadership as military leaders?
• Nelson quotes John 18:8-9 as a backdrop to the importance of taking ownership as a leader of "what you're doing, your job, your role, and your people most of all." How does ownership of what Christ has entrusted to you as a leader impact how you lead others? Is it true that "their well-being is your well-being"? What are some of the ways you care for those you lead in ways that others leading you don't do?

My guest this episode is MAJ Liliane Delva, USA. Liliane was initially interviewed for an article on Christian Mentoring that appeared in the Spring 2021 issue of COMMAND magazine. In this episode, Liliane talks about the significance of the 9/11 attacks on her Army career, how her parents immigrated from Haiti and made it a point to keep the family away from some of the voodoo practices they saw while living there, and she also talks about how trauma from a molestation as a child had a profound impact on her life, creating much fear and anxiety, before she followed that gentle nudging from God to get help and healing.

As a reminder: If you have an idea for a guest, topic, or story that I should consider for a future episode of the show, send an email to [email protected] or to [email protected].

As you listen to Liliane's story, here are a few questions to ponder in your personal time or with a small group or mentor.

• Liliane discusses joining the military at a time when a military career was "marketed" as an opportunity for college scholarships and developing skill sets, and how the events of 9/11 caused her to reconsider what her military service really meant. How does her resolve to fulfill her commitment, to "not go back on my word," align with what Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:37 to "…let your 'yes' be 'yes,' and your 'no' be 'no'"?
• Liliane was born and raised in Haiti where the "blending of different belief systems" including voodoo was common. With a "reverence for God" intact from her Catholic upbringing, as a teen Liliane determined to "find out and establish a relationship with God for myself." How does establishing a relationship with God differ from merely practicing a religion?
• "The way we envision the word 'father,' and the image that we see regarding 'father' or 'dad' is very important because it can influence the way we see God." Liliane says she sees in God the Father the same attributes that she felt from her earthly father in how he loved, cared, and protected her as an authority figure. What is your view of God? How does that impact your life—or the way you treat others, especially if you have kids?
• Reflect on these statements from Liliane: "God is really in everything we do, and He is really present in every aspect of our lives," and "There is a greater strength in you than you realize that allows you to overcome, and that's the strength you find in God." In what ways do these thoughts amaze you, especially in knowing these are from a woman who overcame sexual abuse?

Have you ever been in a situation where it seemed like God was using affliction to draw you to Him? Or maybe you're in that situation now. How do you respond in those circumstances? In the face of a chronic illness that seems to have no end, Karis Meier chooses to respond in this way—give thanks.

In this episode, Karis is joined by her husband, LTC Ben Meier, USA, and throughout my conversation with them, you'll hear at least three themes in their story:

First, marriage. Both Karis and Ben talk about the difficult aspects of marriage that often come along with the commitment to that marriage.

Second, patience in suffering. Karis talks about contentment and endurance as she daily battles a disease and continually asks for healing. And Ben shares how not being able to help Karis with her physical health has taught him to be more compassionate.

And third, sustainability. As a couple and as individuals, Karis and Ben talk about practical applications that have helped them on their marriage journey.

Click here to visit Karis' blog, Suffering Well.

As you listen to their story of military life at the intersection of faith, family, and profession, here are 4 questions to reflect on:

1. Seasons of change can often be difficult to adjust to. Karis talked about not only the change that comes from being newly married, but also the "new culture" of military that she had to get adjusted to and the start of what has been a mysterious illness. God brought Psalm 121:1 to her mind ("I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?" ESV). What verses of Scripture have helped you during difficult seasons of change?
2. Ben said that his 15-deployment to Iraq and Karis's multiple health struggles were "opportunities" God used to grow their marriage, "to force us to learn to communicate in ways that we weren't doing well," and it was an experience "brought us to our knees and to each other." Why is it so hard to communicate with others, especially spouses or family? What factors play into the difference between really communicating as opposed to a he-said-she-said dialogue?
3. Read 2 Corinthians 1:8-9. Have you ever experienced a health issue or life challenge that has rendered you feeling burdened beyond strength, even despairing of life itself? Why do you think that even then, the tendency of humans is to rely upon ourselves, to find satisfaction in things other than God? What does that say about us in our walk of faith as Christians?
4. Prayer and worship together, developing a key support system around them, and a 10-minute couch time to connect. Karis and Ben talked about specific and practical ways they've incorporated these disciplines into their marriage and family to help navigate the challenges stemming from Karis' ongoing health issues and Ben's career challenges as an officer in the Army. What are some of the ways that trusting in God makes it possible to confront the problems of life? Or does it? If not, what do you rely on instead?

Some 2,500 years after the time of the prophet Habakkuk, Lt Col Ron Bracy, USAF (Ret.), found himself asking the same question as the Old Testament prophet: "How long, O Lord, will I call and you will not hear me?"

I first met Ron back in 2019, and soon after, interviewed him for this podcast. We had a great conversation as Ron unpacked how God used Habakkuk to help him through some very dark days after the death of his son, Todd. However, I recently learned that on August 11, 2021, Lt Col Bracy had died.

Ron graduated from the United States Air Force Academy and served 42 years in the Active, Reserve, and Guard components of the United States Air Force. Ron is a veteran of Vietnam with 183 combat reconnaissance missions, recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross, 15 Air Medals, and other medals for outstanding military service. Ron also was an Air Force chaplain and was deployed throughout the "hotspots of the world" as he called them. His last active-duty assignment was at the Pentagon, where he was on duty the morning of the terror attacks on 9/11.

He also earned a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies and Ethics; taught at seminary, college, and secondary schools; was a pastor for 25 years; and is also the author of Walk On, a book that uses Habakkuk to go deeper on topics such as despair, faith, and praise.

In this episode, I want to share some of the conversation we had and tell you the story of Ron Bracy, and his journey through the valley of despair, and ultimately, how he reached the mountaintop of praise.

This is Ron's story of military life at the intersection of faith, family, and profession. As you listen to his story, here are some questions to ponder.

1. Read Habakkuk 1, where the prophet questions God about the lawlessness, wickedness, and the lack of justice surrounding him, and why God was not setting things right. Why does God allow us to see, even experience, iniquity and trouble in others? Or ourselves? Do those things lead you to God, or away from Him?
2. Ron says that "every person who's ever lived on this earth will deal with the issue of despair in their lives." The death of his son on a training mission left him—a pastor—struggling for years: "My son was dead, and so was I." In what ways has faith in Christ helped you cope with the despairs of life?
3. Ponder this observation of Ron's: "'Be still, and know that I am God.' Honestly, how many of us are 'still' in our lives? We fill our day with activity, we can't stand the silence. We fill our lives with things, we're never still. How do we expect to hear God?" Is that a true statement for you? What is your remedy?

Ron's book, Walk On, is still available at Amazon. To purchase a paper or digital copy, click here.

Hope and healing. If you've ever experienced a trauma, you need both.

But how do you know when healing has actually begun? For Capt Amanda Yashack, United States Air Force Reserve, the genesis of the hope and healing that she so desperately needed could have easily gone unnoticed. It began in the back of a church after Sunday services, as a stranger offered Amanda a tissue and sat silently with her as she cried.

In the previous episode, Amanda shared the first part of her story, which centered on the trauma she experienced as a result of a sexual assault. If you missed that part of her story, be sure to go back and take a listen. As I mentioned last episode, if you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please get help. Consider starting with the National Sexual Assault Hotline. They offer confidential 24/7 support, and their number is 800-656-4673.

In this episode, Amanda concludes her story by sharing how God began to radically heal her heart and change her life through a series of events.

As you listen to Amanda's story of military life at the intersection of faith, family, and profession, here are a few questions to ponder:

1. The kindness and dignity given her from an unknown lady at church, or the pilot school classmates' "by a different playbook" life of faith that she wanted for herself—those are some of the ways other Christians impacted Amanda during her faith journey to Christ. Have you ever thought about how the way you live your life impacts others, both positively and negatively?
2. Amanda came to believe that "God gives us the free choice to choose Him because real love does not force anybody to do anything." By first recognizing God's "free and loving choice to forgive me," Amanda was moved "to understand that I can freely and lovingly forgive the people who assaulted me." Is it possible to forgive others outside of loving them? What would need to change for forgiveness in love to happen?
3. Amanda participated in RMH, an outdoor leadership program largely for young officers. What do you think this mentor's statement from their Bible study sessions, "We shouldn't live our lives to be better Christians but that we should seek Christ with everything, and the rest will follow"?

In this episode, Amanda also mentioned:

• Episode 47, "Building Community in the Military Sisterhood" (47. Kristin Goodrich: Building community in the military sisterhood - Officers' Christian Fellowship (ocfusa.org))
• Rocky Mountain High, OCF's premier leadership development program for cadets, midshipmen, junior officers and Christian leaders (Rocky Mountain High – Spring Canyon Conference Center)

A caution for listeners: This episode deals with a topic that may affect some listeners. Part of my guest's story involves trauma resulting from sexual assault. If you've experienced a similar trauma, if you have children around, or if you might be around someone who has experienced trauma, please consider coming back to this episode later and using caution when listening.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please get help. If you're unsure about where to get help, consider starting with the National Sexual Assault Hotline. They offer confidential 24/7 support, and their number is 800-656-4673.

It's been just over a year since I interviewed Capt Amanda Yashack, United States Air Force Reserve. In fact, at that time, she was still Amanda Blaschko and was just weeks away from getting married.

Amanda's story will be divided into two parts. In this episode, Amanda will talk about how her life spiraled out of control when she was in ROTC, largely as a result of the trauma she experienced, and then how that led to burnout, compartmentalizing her pain, and as she calls it…rock bottom. In the next episode, you'll hear her story of hope and healing as God began doing a mighty work in her life.

As you listen to Amanda's story of military life at the intersection of faith, family, and profession, here are a few questions to ponder:

• We often hear from others that we can "be anything we want to be, do anything we set our minds to." Are those true statements? How do they stack up against Jesus' statement that "I am the vine; you are the branches…apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5, ESV).
• Amanda describes suppressing her sexual assault experiences and instead relying on "all the little victories" in pursuit of her dreams as "building a world on a foundation of sinking sand." Read Matthew 7:24-25. In what ways do you think building our lives on the rock that is Christ sustains us through the storms of life?
• Amanda cautions that "if you have anything you haven't dealt with, it's not a matter of if but when it will bubble to the surface." By not dealing with her sexual assault experiences, Amanda says the "place I was in got even darker." Is there anything in your life that has you trying to live life as if nothing happened? Does pride, fear, or embarrassment keep you from seeking help?

Tune in next episode when Amanda shares the rest of her story.

A few months ago, I received an email from LT Sam Alexander, USN, wanting to tell me how much appreciated hearing the stories on this podcast—especially in a hectic environment where it's not always easy to make time for the Lord, as he says.

Today, Sam will share some of his story, and he'll give a peek into submarine culture, how isolation can have an impact on one's faith, and the importance of developing a spiritual support system or a mentoring relationship.

As you listen to Sam's story of military life at the intersection of faith, family, and profession, here are a few questions to ponder:

• Reflect upon a time when you felt isolated, whether by the circumstance of life or because of duty requirements. Was your focus on only getting through it, or allowing God to speak to you through the circumstances? Would you react differently today if confronted with a similar situation?
• When the struggles of life come upon us, why is it easier to focus on a job, or the busyness of life, rather than spend time with God? What does our response to that say about our relationship with Him?
• Sam refers to Nehemiah and his leadership in the rebuilding of the wall in Jerusalem, that it was not about him, but rather focused on the mission and the king he served. Why is a kingdom mindset of mission and focus upon those you both serve and lead so important in Christlike leadership?
• Get to know your sailors. Be approachable. Be vulnerable—unafraid to share your fears. In what ways do those leadership attributes Sam mentioned contribute toward building community among those in isolated duty stations?
• Sam talks about the iron sharpening iron power (Proverbs 27:17) "that can mold you into something better" from seeking out community, valuing deep friendships, and in mentoring. What keeps you from these relationships if you avoid them—fear, distrust, self-sufficiency? Have you ever thought about bringing this before the Lord?