courage – SemperVerus

Gen. Douglas MacArthur on the Essence of Leadership

General Douglas MacArthur was Supreme Allied Commander, South West Pacific Area in WWII, Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers overseeing the occupation of Japan following the war, and Commander-in-Chief of United Nations Command in the Korean War. He is one of only five people to hold the rank of General of the Army.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Medals of Honor and Valor ]

In receiving the Sylvanus Thayer Award at the US Military Academy at West Point on May 12, 1962—two years before his death—he gave a commencement address that has come to be revered for its patriotism and emphasis on the moral and ethical responsibilities of future leaders.

[ Read SemperVerus articles on the topic of LEADERSHIP ]

Five paragraphs of his speech, especially, read like a handbook of timeless leadership virtues. He began with the West Point motto—Duty, Honor, Country—to which he appended the virtues of courage, faith and hope:

By semperverus
Posted on 06/10/202506/10/2025

Be a Leader: How to Start a Movement

The third practice of the five SemperVerus components is BE, which emphasizes the importance of intentionally reinforcing rectitude in yourself. It’s stated thusly:

III. Be: developing rich personal leadership character of exemplary moral and ethical quality.

In the following 3-minute video TED Talk, entrepreneur Derek Sivers presents lessons about leaders and followers he observed one day on a hillside of people:

By semperverus
Posted on 05/27/202505/27/2025

Spiritual First Aid Self-Aid Fact Sheets

In today’s world brimming with conflict, it’s not unusual to personally experience stress, grief, panic, even trauma.

The ministry Spiritual First Aid^™ offers the free downloadable PDF resource, 14 Self-Aid Fact Sheets, which provide a quick reference overview of the following common everyday mental health challenges:

By semperverus
Posted on 05/07/202505/07/2025

Life Lessons to Learn From a Space Capsule Failure

Law Enforcement Officer Badge How do you handle unexpected and prolonged difficulties in your life? With frustration? Anger? Despair? Doubting God’s oversight and sovereignty in your situation?

[ Read SemperVerus articles on the topic of SPIRITUAL FITNESS ]

Instead, take the SemperVerus way: Stay True to what is right and Stay True to your aim, trusting God with all your heart.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Spiritual Fitness: Top 12 Acts for a Christian ]

What was scheduled to be an 8-day test flight of the Boeing Starliner capsule for US astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunni Williams turned into a 286-day test of endurance and conviction during an unexpected life-limiting stay in space aboard the International Space Station due to the capsule’s technical problems including helium leaks in its propulsion system and the failure of several reaction control system thrusters.

Wilmore, a devout Christian, leaned on his faith throughout the extended mission. He described his spiritual connection as “vital to existence,” emphasizing that knowing God was in control sustained him during the 9-month ordeal.