Description
In three compelling volumes, Spirit Soundings captures the inspirational adventure in ministry of Chaplain David Reid Brown, Commander, U.S. Navy (Ret.) aboard the USS SHREVEPORT (LPD-12) from October 2000 through April 2002. This three volume series covers the aftermath of the bombing of the USS COLE (DDG-67), the harrowing attacks of 9/11, a wartime deployment to Afghanistan, and homecoming to America. Spirit Soundings engages the reader and provides them with a clear sense of the depth of their relationship with God, a basic understanding of the role of a Navy Chaplain, and a greater awareness of the dynamic setting of Sea Service Ministry.
I found Spirit Soundings to be both a humorous and at times very serious view into the responsibilities of a US Navy Chaplain's role to minister to our Navy service men & women. Thank you, Commander David Reid Brown, for being there for your Shipmates and for your Service to our Country.
"Spirit Soundings" is well written and provides you with the unique opportunity to experience a journey traveled for a Navy Chaplain. It's a job like no other aboard ship. David, the author connected with the crew and provided a gateway to help endure the perils of sea duty---one evening prayer at a time.
In Spirit Soundings David Reid Brown gives us a unique, first-hand account of a newly deployed Navy Chaplain. These pages offer a striking account of a Chaplain called to offer comfort and counsel to young men and women at sea in both a pre- and post-9/11 world. This is a first volume in a series, taking the reader up to the horrific and mission-changing events of the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Flight 93 that was downed over Pennsylvania before it could reach its intended destination, Washington DC.
Moved to laughter and tears by this book, which I read in one sitting, Spirit Soundings is a rare glimpse into the challenges of sea service Chaplaincy, at a moment in US history worth recording, and worth reading. Yet more broadly this journal of a Chaplain's life at sea is highly recommended to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of service to others, and Christian service and ministry more specifically. A compelling, deeply honest and wise read. It should be on every seminary's bookshelf, and the Navy's reading list at Chaplain's School.
Excellent read! Christians, Military, Historians, and American Citizens alike will truly enjoy Chaplain Dave's series! I personally used Spirit Soundings Volume I: Sailing into A Hazardous World as a daily Bible study and reflection upon the years prior to the events of 9/11; fantastic way to push the "reset" button to give you inspiration regarding the future.
Chaplain Brown's story of military chaplaincy in the United States Navy provides one a spiritual journey into the challenges to the Navy's mission, training and underways, as well as insights into historical naval traditions on the high seas; tattoo and evening prayer, burial at sea, underway, enter/exit a ship, etc. Prior to 9/11, our military was focused on training for war, building relationships with nations, and maintaining the freedom of the seas around the world. It was a dangerous place, but after 9/11 the gravity of the threats around the world brought us closer to God, to one another, and to our families as a nation. Dave's journey brings to light the transformation of our nation steeped in Christian values, built upon camaraderie within the profession of arms, and the love and support of our families who endure the military lifestyle "to defend our nation against all enemies foreign and domestic!"
God Bless "Chap"! THANK YOU for sharing your journey!
I am over a chapter in the kindle version of this book and it is very enjoyable! Something that I thought to be noteworthy from this book (that cannot wait until I finish reading the whole book) is the importance of communication. Communication among coworkers, family and most importantly with our HEAVENLY FATHER (the creator of the universe who gave us our way of salvation through our MESSIAH Yeshua (Hebrew for Jesus), Hallelujah!
I enjoyed seeing the prayers that were said, the sweetness of the email communication with the author’s mother and wife as well as reading the “5 Things” (closing the email with what they appreciate GOD has done for them).
The voice in the book helps to transport me to a highly interesting perspective of being right there alongside the author hearing his thoughts as he goes about doing his work on a US Navy ship.
