Resilience in Action: “As for Me…”
Bob Dees
Director, LU Institute for Military Resilience
©2015 Resilience Consulting LLC
Every now and then we have to plant a flag. One News Network commentator, 22-year old Tomi
Lahren planted such a flag when she gave a “patriotic rant” after ISIS inspired murders of five
military personnel in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The video has gone viral – you can easily find it
on the internet. While not seeking fame for herself, Tomi’s clarity and conviction have
mobilized thousands who feel equally patriotic… and indignant. Her prompting to speak her
conviction gave power and permanence to her deeply held values.
We have many Biblical examples of the same dynamic: God, of course, planted a flag of
relationship and provision when He told Abraham, “As for Me, behold, My covenant is with
you, And you will be the father of a multitude of nations” (Genesis 17:4). Since that time, many
others followed this example of verbalizing their commitment (underlines added):
 Abraham’s servant planted a flag acknowledging divine guidance while seeking a wife
for Isaac when he said, “…as for me, the LORD has guided me” (Genesis 24:27).
 David planted a flag of trust in God when he declared, “But as for me, the nearness of
God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works”
(Psalms 73:28).
 John the Baptist planted a flag of humility when clarifying his role for admiring
followers, “As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming
after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you
with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Matthew 3:11).
In Resilient Warriors, I write the following:
“Calling often implies a deep sense of conviction to pursue noble goals, certainly the case for
most enlistees putting on the nation’s uniform, or missionaries enlisting in the Lord’s work, or
the business owner pursuing excellence on behalf of his employees and his family.
Calling is very important, particularly when strong winds begin to blow”1
(Page 86, underlines and bold added).
Today, let’s dive deeper into the conviction that undergirds calling. While it is important to have
heartfelt conviction that is sometimes never expressed verbally, there is particular power in
speaking one’s conviction to others. While we could approach this from many angles, let’s look
deeper at Joshua’s expression of conviction “but as for me and my house, we will serve the
Lord...” (Joshua 24:15b):
 As Joshua was nearing death, he calls all the tribes of Israel to Shechem (24:1a)
 Joshua recounts the history of God’s provision, although Israel was often undeserving of
such Godly grace (24:2-14)
 Joshua points the people towards sincerity and truth, and then challenges them: “If it is
disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today who you will
serve…” (24:14-15a)
 Then his powerful proclamation: “…but as for me and my house, we will serve the
Lord.” (24:15b)
At this point, Joshua could not predict the response of Israel, but he could speak for himself and
his family. He said and did what was right, not being swayed by popular opinion or political
correctness. Then the tide turns; the people also commit, “… we will serve the Lord” (24:21).
One man’s expression of conviction had influenced an entire nation to also choose the right
path. One man’s steadfast resilience had become the model for many.
Just as Joshua fortified his and others’ sense of calling by making a public expression of
commitment “As for me,” so it has been with Tomi Lahren and her “patriotic rant” which has
inspired thousands. Now what about you and what about me? What “As for Me” declarations
should we make to fortify our calling and to give us more conviction and resilience in future
storms of life? When should we express righteous indignation that emboldens others to do the
right thing? How and when should we plant our flag?
1
Dees, Robert F., Resilient Warriors, San Diego, CA: Creative Team Publishing, 2011.
Put on your thinking cap.
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Respectfully in Christ,
Bob
Bob Dees
LU Institute for Military Resilience
www.LUOnline.com/IMR
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