My actions and gifts come from a place of genuine sincerity. – April 2022

My actions and gifts come from a place of genuine sincerity. – April 2022

“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you openly.” Matthew 6:1-4

In the above scripture text, Jesus is teaching the multitude that sat before him. He is concerned with the way people are being consumed with announcing every good deed they would do for those in need. The focus was not to take care of those in need but to gain recognition and acknowledgment from their esteemed peers. In one translation, Jesus used the term hypocrite. A hypocrite originally was an actor who wore a mask in a Greek play, thereby pretending he was something he was not (they were always males).    He told the people not to be like the hypocrite but to be humble and not tell others what they were doing for those in need. But allow God to reward them for their good deeds.

I believe the lesson is applicable today, even if one is not of the Christian Faith. In a society where every action and a good deed is on social media for likes and acknowledgment, we too can be consumed in desiring the praise and acceptance of others. Instead, we must take an internal inventory of why we are doing what we are doing. Are we sharing the information to gain support and encourage others to help those in need? Or are we sharing to receive our reward from others and not God?

I, too, struggle with ensuring my heart is in the right place when doing for others and that I am not doing something to receive praise from my peers. Instead, my actions and gifts come from a place of genuine sincerity of wanting to do “what is right.”  Being authentic and humble is still popular in a world that can sometimes seem otherwise.

Blessings,

Reverend Takana L. Jefferson, LCDR, United States Navy Chaplain

NNOA Essay Contest

NNOA Essay Contest

Topic: Optimizing our maritime dominance, what recruiting, training, and retention initiatives can our leaders employ today to strengthen the diversity, equity, and inclusion of our Sea Services?

Criteria

500 words or less

NNOA Member

Sea Service Junior Officer (01-03)

Deadline

April 30, 2022

Submit

Winners

1st Place

  • NNOA Lifetime Membership
  • $250 Cash

2nd Place

  • NNOA Lifetime Membership
  • $150 Cash

3rd Place

  • NNOA Lifetime Membership
  • $100 Cash

The Elevation of Women in the Military

Shipmates,

Click image to download newsletter

One of my business colleagues, Ed Rule (President and CEO of Naval Systems, Inc. and retired Supply Corps Officer) shared his March Newsletter with me and I wanted to share it with NNOA.  In it, Ed highlights a few of the women role models we have been blessed with in our military.

The elevation of women in our military is clearly the most important change that I can recall in my 34 years of service.  It has made our military far more resilient, intelligent and ready.  The women highlighted in this newsletter are just a few examples of inspirational leadership in our military.

I hope all of the NNOA members will share their stories this Women’s History Month.

v/r
RADM Sinclair Harris, USN (Ret)
President NNOA

2022 USNA Alumni Leadership Forum

Special Invitation
2022 USNA Alumni Leadership Forum
April 29-30, 2022, Alumni Hall, Annapolis, MD

Forum Theme: “Leading in a Diverse and Complex Environment”

Purpose: To provide a continuous learning experience in sharpening leadership skills. Encourage career development and camaraderie, in keeping with the highest traditions, of the naval service and to provide financial support to USNA Admissions Programs.

Events:  Break Out Sessions, Midshipmen, Junior Officer, & Flag Officer Discussions, Industry & Career Panel, Entertainment, Gala Dinner

Registration Link: https://signupnow.events/Default_Forum.aspx?OrgId=1047&eid=1073&OrgName=USNAALF

Spread the Word! All Alumni, Shipmates, & Guests are welcome!

GO NAVY!

Julius S. Caesar RADM USN (Ret.)

U.S. Naval Academy Minority Association, 501(c)3