“Don’t wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint." - - Proverbs 23:4
Brad was a killing machine! He was a member of America’s most elite warriors and arguably the most versatile combat force in the world: Navy SEALS.
SEALs master every environment from which they operate (sea, air, and land). Their covert methods allow them to conduct high value missions that larger military forces could never accomplish. Although they have a reputation for lethal, deadly attacks; what makes a SEAL Team so terrifying is their silence.
No task is too difficult for a SEAL. Whether dropping like phantoms from 30,000 feet or emerging from dark, icy river waters, they never fail! Terrorists cower at their feet.
SEAL training is grueling – the dropout rate is 75%. It includes an agonizing combination of brain and brawn work, topped with five days of simulated battle stress. The men call it "Hell Week," a regime of bullets, bombs, and extreme endurance tests. Survival taught Brad that his body could do things well beyond what he had ever imagined.
Friends admired Brad’s humility, which underscored his integrity. He recalls a reporter asking him once, after discussing all the countries he’d been sent to, if he’d had to learn several languages? His reply: "No ma'am, we don't go there to talk!"
Tonight he’s on another secret recon mission, swimming against a strong current in black, salt water. No lights allowed – too dangerous.
Brad’s training kicked in: “Know when to act . . . do so without hesitation.” He drew his deadly weapon from its sheath, gripping it by the blade end . . . and hit the shark squarely on the nose with the handle. They hate that!
The Great White quickly retreated - sharks are predators and like most bullies, prefer to pick on more defenseless prey. Brad’s restraint had avoided spilling blood that would have attracted other predators.
How many times have we used excessive force when a more reserved approach would have been more effective? Like newspapers that should have withheld rumors rather than trying and convicting the “accused” in the press? Screaming at children when listening for understanding could have helped them learn from their mistakes. Saving leftovers rather than stuffing ourselves uncomfortably. Sometimes, less . . . is more.
Lord, our self love clouds our intentions, reducing the value of our deeds. Direct our footsteps so that we’re in step with You, observing the yellow lights of caution and stopping at the red lights of danger. Amen.
