Subscribe via RSS Feed

Conversation with Retired Brig. General Rebecca Halstead

 

STEADFAST

  • Selfless Service
  • Trust and Tenacity
  • Encourage and Embrace
  • Attitude and Approachability
  • Discipline
  • Family, Friends and Faith
  • Accountability
  • Standard Setter
  • Teamwork

After a year of sustained chiropractic care and a complete reversal on my nutritional intake, my functionality was restored and my quality of life renewed. I felt strongly that God had blessed me with an incredible military journey, and I wanted to share what I had learned with others. So, in 2010 I started my own company, STEADFAST Leadership. The majority of my work has been as a keynote speaker on leadership in the corporate sector. Since 2010, I have served on numerous boards, worked with Harvard Business School on a leadership case study, was a Commissioner on the President’s Military Leadership Diversity Commission, and authored my first book, 24/7: The First Person You Must Lead Is You.

 

PneumaReview.com: What were some of the special challenges you faced as the first woman to become a General Officer?

Halstead: Candidly, the challenges I faced as a female General were not unlike the challenges I faced my entire career as a female officer. Oftentimes, as the only woman in the room or the only woman commander in an organization, I had to work hard to earn the respect of the men on the team. No doubt, there were times I had to work harder at this than my male peers because of the stereotyping, but I believe each of us has a responsibility to earn the respect of others. So, I tried to look at it as my responsibility as a leader, not as a requirement because I was a woman. I never touted that my desire to serve my country was greater than a man’s, but I did make it perfectly clear that my desire was not less than a man’s!

As a General and a senior leader for the army, I was reminded by senior Generals to not “rock the boat” on issues like women in combat assignment policies or women not being allowed to serve in all branches, like infantry or armor. Although I complied while on active duty, I have taken a much stronger stance on these issues in retirement. For me, every American, male or female, ought to have the right and privilege to serve in any capacity for his or her country, as long as he or she meets the standards required. I don’t agree with exclusion nor do I agree with inclusion without standards. I had no desire to serve in the infantry, but just because I personally had no desire does not mean women should not be allowed. If you meet the standard, you should be given the opportunity. I believe the same in the corporate sector. God created man and woman, equally. We honor Him when we use the talents He created uniquely in us.

I exercised my faith in God all the time. On a daily basis I have always grounded myself with prayer and time for devotion. I believe actions speak louder than words, and I have simply wanted my life to reflect God’s love in me and my love for God. I have tried to stay disciplined and live out my values for others to see. Where I have failed, I have asked forgiveness and tried to improve myself. My grandmother always taught us that we stand our tallest when we are on our knees (in prayer). Prayer has been the single most important practice in my life. For many years I have maintained a prayer warrior book, and others have reached out to me asking for me to pray for them and the challenges they faced. Prayer is what matures my relationship with God and with others.

 

PneumaReview.com: What are some practical things churches can do to support the men and women who are currently serving in the armed forces?

Halstead: I believe our churches play a pivotal role in supporting our military men and women, past and present. We are to be encouragers and many need encouragement. Some of our men and women are broken—emotionally, physically and spiritually. Each have different needs, but we can reach out to them to remind them their lives have purpose, that we are available to them, and that we are grateful for their service to our country.

 

PneumaReview.com: What are some of the most meaningful ways civilians have expressed gratitude to you for your service?

Halstead: By simply saying thank you!

 

Pin It
Page 2 of 3123

Tags: , , , , ,

Category: Living the Faith, Summer 2014

About the Author: Becky Halstead, retired Brigadier General, United States Army, founded her own leader consultancy company, STEADFAST Leadership, LLC, following 27 years of service in the U.S. military and her role as Executive Director for a leadership consultancy company. Becky specializes in inspirational speaking (nationally and internationally, corporate and academic), developing leader training programs, leader coaching, consulting and advising. Her first book on leadership, 24/7: The First Person You Must Lead Is YOU was published in 2013. www.beckyhalstead.com

  • Connect with PneumaReview.com

    Subscribe via Twitter Followers   Subscribe via Facebook Fans
  • Recent Comments

  • Featured Authors

    Amos Yong is Professor of Theology & Mission and director of the Center for Missiological Research at Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena. His graduate education includes degree...

    Jelle Creemers: Theological Dialogue with Classical Pentecostals

    Antipas L. Harris, D.Min. (Boston University), S.T.M. (Yale University Divinity School), M.Div. (Emory University), is the president-dean of Jakes Divinity School and associate pasto...

    Invitation: Stories about transformation

    Craig S. Keener, Ph.D. (Duke University), is F. M. and Ada Thompson Professor of Biblical Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. He is author of many books<...

    Studies in Acts

    Daniel A. Brown, PhD, planted The Coastlands, a church near Santa Cruz, California, serving as Senior Pastor for 22 years. Daniel has authored four books and numerous articles, but h...

    Will I Still Be Me After Death?