15. Nelson Chiaravallotti: “Enduring and faithful pursuit in the face of affliction”

OCF Crosspoint Podcast

This episode marks the end of season 2 of OCF Crosspoint. Thank you to each of our listeners, whether you’re tuning in for the first time or you’re a longtime listener. If you haven’t heard each episode this season, be sure to go back to episode 1 and catch up on some amazing stories.

Was there an episode that really stood out to you this season? Maybe one that you could relate to on some level or that had some other significance? If so, I’d really like to hear from you. Share your favorite episode with me at [e-mail].

Likewise, a big thank-you to all of my guests this season. I appreciate the willingness of each guest to share some deep and personal parts of their life stories.

As we head into this break between podcast seasons and start working on interviews for season 3 in April, here are three ways you can help the podcast:

1. First, if you have an idea for a guest, topic, or story that should be considered for the podcast, send an email to me at [e-mail] and let me know. At least a couple episodes in season 2 happened as a result of listeners like you reaching with ideas.
2. Next, if you think OCF Crosspoint is a valuable resource, would you consider leaving a review for the show wherever you listen to podcasts, and would you also tell someone else about this podcast? We’ve found that word-of-mouth advertising is extremely helpful in getting the word out to others about the show.
3. And finally, since this podcast is a resource of Officers’ Christian Fellowship, be sure to find out more about OCF if you haven’t heard of our ministry. Otherwise, take a look at the website for ways to get involved in OCF, for additional resources to help you integrate your spiritual calling and military calling, and with winter approaching, check out the holiday programs at our two conference centers, Spring Canyon and White Sulphur Springs.

My guest this episode is ENS Nelson Chiaravallotti, USN. Here are a few questions to ponder as you listen to his story of military life at the intersection of faith, family, and profession.

• Nelson’s childhood desire to become a Navy officer was sparked by his parents, both Navy commanders, and their friends, who he calls “role models,” for the way they lived out their Christian faith and character in leadership. Of those in your life who influenced you either positively or negatively, what are some of the ways you have built upon the positive examples? What about the negative ones?
• Nelson emphasizes several times about the quality of perseverance—which he defines as an “enduring and faithful pursuit in the face of affliction,” essential to the Christian walk, and is “built on your why,” which is trust in God. Consider this Scripture: “…we also celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character” (Romans 5:3-4, NKJV). How do all those things help hone Christlike leadership as military leaders?
• Nelson quotes John 18:8-9 as a backdrop to the importance of taking ownership as a leader of “what you’re doing, your job, your role, and your people most of all.” How does ownership of what Christ has entrusted to you as a leader impact how you lead others? Is it true that “their well-being is your well-being”? What are some of the ways you care for those you lead in ways that others leading you don’t do?