Average JoeSample

DAY 2: A New Identity

After a childhood filled with rejection and hardship, the United States Marine Corps provided Joe with something invaluable: an identity and sense of accomplishment that no one could take away from him. For the first time, Joe felt that he had truly earned something on his own merits. The discipline, camaraderie, and sense of purpose he gained in the Marines helped him develop a new confidence and resilience that would shape his future.

When Joe’s unit leader commanded the men to stomp on the unit’s flag, almost all complied. But Joe refused to dishonor the flag, even though the consequence for disobedience was endless push-ups. Motivated by the passion and conviction of their brother-in-arms, Joe’s fellow Marines stopped stomping and joined him for push-ups on the ground. The unit leader recognized Joe’s conviction and leadership and presented him with the unit’s flag. This pivotal moment would stay with Joe forever and serve as the foundation for even greater challenges to come.

Reflection

• What does it mean to earn something in your life that no one can take from you?
• How can we apply the discipline and resilience learned from difficult experiences to our spiritual lives?
• In what ways did the Marines prepare Joe to stand firm in his faith later in life?