LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
JOHN W. RAWLINGS SCHOOL OF DIVINITY
RESILIENT WARRIORS REVIEW
Submitted to Dr. Paul Greer
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the completion of
CHPL 645
Chaplain Resilient Leaders
by
Gregory W. Nutter
April 22, 2022
Contents
Summary..............................................................................................................................1
Critique................................................................................................................................2
Application..........................................................................................................................2
Bibliography........................................................................................................................4
1
Summary
In Robert F Dees Resilient Warriors, he expresses the term (incoming) to describe some
of the alarming and unsettling encounters that arise from expected and unexpected events. The
author articulates trauma into various categories. One of these categories is spiritually
concerning the heart and soul. Moreover, he speaks on the physical wounds which alter mental
and poignant behavior. Many times: however, emotional behaviors tend to and can fall into the
spiritual realm of someone’s being. The times of testing in one’s faith can span from their
wounds; this implores the question of why? Therefore, it digs into one’s consciousness and, at
times, is steamed from a guilty conscious of personal responsibility. It states in (Dees 2013),
“Responding well to trauma demands that we dismiss wrong conclusions about our problems and
look to see what is true about the role God plays in the process.”1
In Robert F Dees Resilient Warriors, it challenges one’s reintegration after trauma from
the warrior’s point of view. This view from a warrior or soldier is one of resilience and unfailing
devotion driven by a heart of love for one’s brethren in the fight, dedication to their mission, and
steadfastness to never give up. Robert F Dees Resilient Warriors endeavors to highlight the
storms of life and how one chooses to weather through these storms, as well as how ones choose
to spring back; without becoming stuck in the toxic emotions of bitterness and devolved anger.
Although the author writes in military metaphor, it can apply to any person in any field. Robert F
Dees Resilient Warriors takes a universal approach to include full incorporation of biblical truth.
1 Robert F Dees, Resilient Warriors (San Diego, Calif.: Creative Team Pub, 2011).
2
Critique
Robert F Dees Resilient Warriors, the author, applies his previous encounters combined
in conjunction with consistent knowledge of events and biblical theology to renovate others into
a better being devoid of the conventional terminology. Resilient Warriors is well-written with a
continuous theme of bouncing back resilience from trauma which is a theme that is interlaced
throughout each of the chapters. In chapter one, titled , one can find the deep Incoming
implication of the term in the lurid models of the battlefield. This term (incoming) is
resemblance to the spiritual incoming of tribulations that explore the question of (How high will
I bounce). Robert F Dees Resilient Warriors utilizes these parallels to demonstrate how, in
retrospect, they support one to develop resilience in cooperation with one’s physical and spiritual
being.
Robert F Dees Resilient Warriors is written for active military personnel and is designed
for veterans, families, and spiritual care professional chaplains or pastors to asset in the
counseling and ministering of those who live with PTSD and other psychological, emotional, and
spiritual upheavals of life. The book also evaluates the tests and hardships that are faced by many
different industries, such as first responders, entrepreneurs, educators, and political leaders.
Robert F Dees Resilient Warriors draws one across all aspects of life, wherein one can
understand that there is an evil assault on the people of God and that the goodness of God is
greater and true.
Application
As one who is seeking to be a Navy Chaplain, there are many applications that can be
applied from Robert F Dees Resilient Warriors. The grit of a warrior is one of great
steadfastness; however, all that determination fails in light of biblical principles as we are finite
3
and are in need of an infinite God to see us through the trials and tribulations of life. Resilient
Warriors draw out the need for one to lean on God and, at the same time, assist in building
resilience from traumas by imploring six techniques to bounce back from the effects of toxic
stress and trauma. These techniques are “know your calling, know your enemy, know your
friends, know your equipment, deploy the right mindset, and develop rehearse actions.” These
2
are great tools for one to evaluate themselves, especially during times of challenge. Christ
advised His own that we would have difficult times, but He also reminded us that He would
forever be with us. If He’s always with us, then He will help us. Therefore, to add to Resilient
Warriors, we are to gain strength in Christ and pursue His peace by maintaining our minds on
Him and out of the mindset of toxicity. Resilient Christians look further past their difficulties and
set their mind on Christ. Disciples who are resilient in no way stop trusting in God even in the
storm where evil takes residence, as it states in Nahum 1:3 “The LORD is slow to anger and
great in power, And the LORD will by no means leave the guilty unpunished. In the gale and the
storm is His way, and clouds are the dust beneath His feet.”3
2 Robert F Dees, Resilient Warriors (San Diego, Calif.: Creative Team Pub, 2011).
3 Unless otherwise stated all Scripture references are from the NASB
4
Bibliography
Dees, Robert F. Resilient Warriors. San Diego, Calif.: Creative Team Pub, 2011.
