November 2009

Integrity Matters

As a mid-level captain on active duty in the Air Force, my squadron commander told me, “You are going to make a great officer but commanders will hate you.” This statement was made in reference to a request from another commander that was both unfair and an unnecessary burden to the people under my command. I could have made my way easier with the commanders by sacrificing my people. I knew supporting these requests would make networking smoother amongst the senior leaders and give me an edge up. For many, this is a perfectly legal way of doing business on the backs of others they have been charged to oversee, but my character stood up and refused to allow me to take such a path.

I didn’t get to be an officer without pain. I sacrificed to put myself through undergraduate school. I applied for scholarships and grants, and worked multiple jobs all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. I could not afford a decent car so I took public transportation 3 hours one way just to make it to ROTC classes each week. In addition, I carried an 18-21 credit hour workload at two different universities. It was not a cake walk when I consider walking in rain, sleet and snow with corps frame shoes…the shiny military dress shoes. As if that was not enough, I had to maintain my physical fitness so I got up early in the morning to train with the Army ROTC program on my campus. Most days I operated on just a few hours of sleep. All of these challenges were designed to build my character. I had to learn how to persevere in the face of adversity. By the time I completed my training something extraordinary took place. I was an overcomer and a person on a mission.

So when the pressure came in my military career, I had physical and mental fortitude to withstand the trials. Maybe my commander’s comment should have discouraged me but I took it as a compliment. I believe I was created to stand for social justice. The status quo just won’t do it for me. I am living to obtain a level of excellence that speaks of character. Years later as I reflect on that particular comment, not because I believed it, but because it reminded me that integrity will cost me something. It may cost popularity. It may cost promotions. It may even cost the loss of friends and business partnerships, but integrity matters!

I stood on the integrity of what I believed to be right, what my commander knew to be right ,and what others challenged as right. In doing so, different leaders began to understand my character and it fostered an environment of trust and mutual respect. With uncompromising integrity I stood in the face of authority and humbly submitted my requests, concerns, and insights. Purely by the favor of God, I was received and even acknowledged for my integrity amongst the leaders.

I will not pretend that a life of integrity is an easy one. It’s filled with tests, trials, and few external rewards. People often look forward to the rewards, but it’s the tests and trials that bring true strength and riches after one has endured the challenge. Anyone who builds their success on anything other than integrity can be assured, their foundation is subject to cracks. After all the storms of life have passed, it is the character and integrity of an individual that keeps them moving forward.

And the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on the house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. Matthew 7:25

Email me, I'd love to hear from you: sdferreira@thoughtsnprayers.net

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