For some ways people have been treated in the precious movement known as The Salvation Army, they deserve an apology. This is not about me. The Salvation Army doesn’t owe me anything, but I know quite a few others that would do well to receive an apology.
Is it the movement that has offended? Sometimes. There are systemic flaws that affect people and do harm. More commonly, there are individuals in The Salvation Army that have hurt others in the name of The Salvation Army, and they need to apologize.
If that’s you and you’re in the Western Territory, please trust me enough to contact me and see if we can give you the apology you deserve. We may not be able to fix the situation, but we may facilitate the healing. I believe that’s what Jesus would do.
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” Matthew 24:35 NIV
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A Whopping 912 'LIKES' and 233 Comments - A record number ??
THE HEALING ?
From July 6: "We may not be able to fix the situation, but we may facilitate the healing."
It breaks my heart to learn of so many hurting people around. In recent days, the Lord has brought many to my attention who are deep in pain and many who seem to have little hope of relief. My words here will be insufficient and less than satisfying for more than I’d care to admit. What do they do?
I can only offer a friendly ear and the most powerful opportunity to seek the scriptures for comfort. God’s words are eternally sound and they are for you. In His Word you will find the hope and the promise to be supported and understood by the Lord, Himself.
When you’re ready, go for it. God’s peace is beautiful and awaiting your attention. I know. My redeemer lives!
“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11 NIV
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A less than enthusiastic response' 14'LIKES' and only 2 comments
Gary Laws (FSAOF MEMBER)
As I am not in your Territory, it may be inappropriate to comment, but here goes!
I think there is more that a Territorial Commander can do than “offer a friendly ear and the most powerful opportunity to seek the scriptures for comfort.”
In the context of former Officers who are hurting: There are many who have left as a result of circumstances beyond their control. They have not committed any action that could be considered of moral offense or illegality. Yet, the stigma of being a ‘Former’ leads many to experience a form of shunning that does not speak well for the Army or some of it’s leaders. Not all have this experience, but significant numbers do! It is as if one has been rejected by members of their own family and the hurt and disappointment is beyond description for some.
There must be something a TC can do to help prevent many of these heartbreaking occurrences from ever taking place to begin with.
The whole of Army leadership must, somehow, be brought to understand they are held accountable by God for how their leadership plays out in the lives of subordinates.
I, certainly, do not pretend to have the answer, however, I believe the health of the Army as a spiritual force will be adversely affected, even further, if answers are not found.
I appreciate your addressing issues such as these. Being ‘at the top’, no doubt, offers many challenges. Let me encourage you to consider what you might ‘do’ in addition to your words of comfort and understanding! Blessings!
Reply
SA Officer Pete Brookshaw, Captain
Thanks Commissioner for these
words.
Gary – any ideas of what you mean should be done or followed through
with from an organizational perspective? I would really think offering a
listening ear is a great start, as maybe many hurts have occurred because of
the lack of such an ear…
Sven Ljungholm
FSAOF
FSAOF
11 comments:
Action silences empty words
I have always thought the actions of men the best interpreters of their thoughts. ~John Locke
Well done is better than well said. ~Benjamin Franklin
Between saying and doing many a pair of shoes is worn out. ~Italian Proverb
After all is said and done, a lot more will have been said than done. ~Author Unknown
The shortest answer is doing. ~Lord Herbert
Trust only movement. Life happens at the level of events, not of words. Trust movement. ~Alfred Adler
We should be taught not to wait for inspiration to start a thing. Action always generates inspiration. Inspiration seldom generates action. ~Frank Tibolt
A promise is a cloud; fulfillment is rain. ~Arabian Proverb
An idea not coupled with action will never get any bigger than the brain cell it occupied. ~Arnold Glasow
Inspirations never go in for long engagements; they demand immediate marriage to action. ~Brendan Francis
Small deeds done are better than great deeds planned. ~Peter Marshall
Note to self: finding a cool quote and writing it in your journal is not a substitute for Getting. It. Done. ~Betsy CaƱas Garmon
A barking dog is often more useful than a sleeping lion. ~Washington Irving, adapted from a verse in the Bible
Action is the last resource of those who know not how to dream. ~Oscar Wilde
Deliberation is a function of the many; action is the function of one. ~Charles de Gaulle, War Memoirs, 1960
Action is the antidote to despair. ~Joan Baez
Ironically, making a statement with words is the least effective method. ~Grey Livingston Doing things is not the same as getting things done. ~Jared Silver
We cannot do everything at once, but we can do something at once. ~Calvin
Former waiting for more than words
UKIT
Having surveyed thousands of people on what they want in their leaders, in someone they would willingly follow, the quality of being forward-looking is second only to being honest as their most admired leader quality (p. 46, The Truth About Leadership).
Commissioner Knagg's honesty and heartfelt apology should surprise noone. His courage and integrity are legend in the three major SA territories where he has served. Officers and employees alike are indebted to him for speaking and acting on our behalf, sometimes against the advice and will of his superiors.
Five years ago he and Commissioner Joe Noland were great encouragers as a fledgling FSAOF was struggling in making our voices heard. Today, we have almost 500 former officers in our fellowship, have posted 1,000+ blog articles, with 90,000 visitors. Our private FB site has recorded hundreds of threads with thousands of comments.
We welcome the Commissioner's initiative and await the next step, action, with great anticipation.
In the meantime we salute the USA East territory on their action. After some months of planning they invited a group of formers to meet, coordinated in tandem with the FSAOF, which resulted in 2 days of 'conversation' just 2 weeks ago in the USA.
Reports can be found in the blog with more forthcoming in the days ahead.
The FSAOF would be pleased in assisting any interested territories in the planning and conducting of similar seminars. And to share survey results garnered over a 3 year period from 500 'formers' around the SA world.
Sven Ljungholm
Founder
FSAOF
Sven, we're pleased to know you're still battling for us all. Each and every territory needs to step up to the mark, apologise and link up with the FSAOF in seeking direction to avoid future hurt and damage.
It appears our territory believe they are above reproach?! Hopefully the new Commissioner will be more realistic and honest than the last!
Former, UK
Commissioner Jim Knaggs was instrumental in helping my wife and I return to officership. Our Divisional Commander Lt. Colonel Joe Posillico was also instrumental and showed a concern and care for my wife and I as Formers and now as active officers. We thank God for them both and for their leadership that is highly respected by many. We are glad and proud to now be serving in the Western Territory, USA. Commissioner Joe Noland was a great help and was concerned for us also. If we would have not received the concern and support I would be currently involved in another ministry and in another capacity. There is one other officer that knows me better than anyone alive. Captain Robyn Bridgeo believed in me when no one else did.He hired me to work in social services in Tempe, Arizona knowing that I enjoyed assisting people with basic human services and ministering to them.He knew that I had not done anything deserving of ill treatment and suspicion. Robyn is my son in law. I was often ignored by the Eastern Territory after serving 25 years when we moved out west to Arizona.Some officers in the Western Territory were not trusting of a former from the East. Word was sought from the Eastern Territory by Commissioner Swires (Former Territorial Commander of the Western Territory USA) as to why these former officers left the East and left behind their officership, their security and their pension (not my words). Information was shared that we moved out West to be near family, (Captains Bridgeo) and our grandchildren, for personal reasons and that we were good officers and that we had done nothing wrong. I carried the label as "Former Officer" instead of "retired Officer" after 25 years of service because we did not understand nor an explanation was shared about our status and the retirement policy in the USA.I assumed too much when I thought that all would be worked out and understood.
Gary Laws you are correct. Formers are shunned. Retired Officers are respected and active Officers are often guilty of wondering what the Formers have done to warrant the title "Former Officer". When I left Ohio to move and be with family out West I was told to return my insurance card immediately and to "never declare that I was a Salvation Army Officer Again".Imagine how I felt after 25 years of service and this is what I am told by way of a letter. That is painful , hurtful and not glorifying to God! What did I do wrong to deserve such treatment?
In the end it took two years of being ignored most of the time from the Eastern Territory,USA. I finally contacted London and shared my issue. It seemed that some time later that I began to receive some response. This of course was before our new world leader General Linda Bond was elected.
Most of what happened to me should never have happened. Yes, there was misunderstanding by both leadership and me. I believe that there is apathy involved when an officer leaves active service. I believe that there are hurt feelings that in many cases could be dealt with also.
There are many "Formers" that could be reinstated if the proper concern and care is received. It will take some effort by leadership for this to happen. There also will be some that cannot return to officership because of certain circumstances. Those are souls that also need attention and care if it is accepted.
Everyone of us must strive to make this Army what God wants it to be.
Majors Robert and Sandra Deidrick
Western Territory USA, Arizona
"never declare I was a Salvation Army officer again"? What a crock. I was only an officer 5 years and have been out 25 but it still and will always be a huge part of my identity for brtter or worse. Can you hear my boiling blood?
On the other hand Gary...every journey begins with a single step.
I'm not sure who I am responding to, Sven or the Captain.
As to what I think leadership should do: I do agree that listening and praying are a good first step. These issues are very complicated as the reason for having left officership are as many as those who have left. Also, 'doing something' may not always be possible as it regrads Army leadership.
However, These thoughts come to mind:
1) Leadership might ask, "Is there corrective action that can be taken to right a wrong visited upon a Former Officer?"
2)I think discussions and instruction can be offered at the TEC level. Divisional Commanders, often, are the worst offenders when it comes to handling separations poorly.
3) Territorial Commanders and/or Chief Secretaries should be available to any officer leaving the work who wants to further explain their position.
4) Any officer contemplating resignation should immediately be contacted by the Field Secretary with a view toward RESOLVING
whatever problems may exist?
5) The question should always be asked, "Is there a better way that the resigning officer has not condidered?" ARE THERE ANY ALTERNATIVES to resignation.
Some leaders already do all of the above, however, my guess there number is few!
These are just a few thoughts. Better minds than mine will can come up with other thoughts.
Just a note to those who might be considering resignation....you, too, have a responsibility as it regards decisions concerning your service and calling. BEFORE you resign talk to someone above the Divisional level and aggressively look for alternatives. God will reward your efforts! Blessings!
Gary D. Laws
Former USA Central now living in the USA East
I would, briefly, like to share my story.
In 2008 my wife and I resigned. My wife had a stroke, months earlier, which left her in need of constant care and supervision. The brain damage she experienced caused this wonderful person to have behavioral difficulties. I was distraught beyond the ability of others to understand.
We were moved from a Corps to an institutional appointment. My wife's health became worse. The DC was very kind, he listened, but offered no alternatives (which were available) to resignation.
After several months she suffered another stroke. Matters were very difficult. In my mind, institutionalization was not an option. I needed to be the one caring for her, so we resigned.
We did ask for early retirement, (we were just three and a half years away from regular retirement). The DC said we did not meet the requirements of the minute which called for a minimum of 15 years of active service. We had 13 years.
Six months after leaving we contacted the TC (a new one). He said there was nothing that could be done. He thanked us for our years of service (including the 12 years of professional employment prior to Officership).
Through the entire process we never heard from anyone other than our DC. When we received the THQ letter accepting our resignation (in good standing), it came from the Assistant to the Personnel Secretary. We heard from no one else. We have heard nothing from anyone else.
My wife has now had a third stroke and is totally disabled, physically as well. I care for her 24/7 and it is a great joy.
What disturbs me most, is that there were alternatives to our resigning that no one bothered to explore with us.
The Army did give us a lump sum separation allowance that carried us through our first and for that we are grateful.
Now, for those of you who suggest, 'there must be more to the story'.....there isn't, at least not that we are aware of.
We remain Salvationists and attend the Corps when health considerations allow.
Mostly, I miss being an officer. It was my life and my identity. I wasn't a rising star or anything close to it. Neither was I the worst officer to come down the 'pike'!. I had many successes and an equal number of disappointments.
With hindsight, I cannot help but feel something more could have been done. Perhaps retirement without benefits even. This has been done in the (USA West). Whatever, it is done. We live comfortably in 'unofficial retirement' in New York.
To my Officer friends, think twice before leaving...there might well be an alternative!
In order for God to mend our broken hearts He first must have all the pieces, and the Holy Spirit is the glue.
Andre L. Burton
USA East - Greater New York
Gary, as I read something of your story my heart aches for you. I am glad 'God is no man's debtor' but am sorry TSA gets it so wrong on so many occasions. God bless you for faithfully and lovingly minister to your wife and not counting the cost. May God grant you all the grace and strength you need.
Active USA East
Gary some of us did try to speak to people above DHQ but wore refused. We were told we had to talk to them, even though they were partly to blame for our coming to the conclusion God wanted us to leave.
UK Former
In response to Commissioner Knaggs...
My wife and I had the privilege of serving with Commissioners Knaggs (they were our Divisional leaders and a session mates of my wife). I know and admire the integrity with which the Commissioner leads. I see him as a lone voice (or among a very small minority) who is concerned about officers current and former. My 25 years of service ended (by my choice) at a time when Gretchen and I firmly believed (and still do) that God was leading us to a new ministry venture in our life where I could exercise my gifts (which were not being fully utilized in the Army). It has been a little over 4 years. There was a generous severance check. However, no thanks (or any expression of appreciation) for the years of service. To this day, there has not been any official or unofficial contact from anyone in the Army (I must qualify that by saying I do receive the cursory information from the Silver star representative at DHQ).
I applaud Commissioner Knaggs and his willingness to recognize the hurt that the 'system' caused most (if not all) former officers. Perhaps his efforts are a glimmer of light to encourage systemic change to a leadership culture that recognizes the value of people (officers). The reality (experience) to this point is that officers are a disposable asset (this seems to be the cultural norm) rather than a valued part of the mission of the organization. My sense is that this is the acceptable norm adopted by the Army...if it was good enough for Booth...who let some of his own children slip away.
My apologies for expressing such negativity. However, the experience is what it is.
I can only pray that God will bless the effort of Commissioner Knaggs. Perhaps this will be the beginning of a new future for the Army.
God bless you Jim Knaggs.
Randy
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