Christian Latina Leadership Blog

By Margarita García

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This summer I had the opportunity to visit the United States Naval Academy (USNA), and I learned some interesting and fun facts. I learned that NBA player David Robinson graduated from the USNA. I also learned that captured sailors carved miniature ships from leftover meat bones, and that the speed of ships is measured in knots because of an old method called the stern log. The stern log refers to when sailors threw a wooden board attached to a rope over the stern. The rope had knots tied at regular intervals. As the ship moved away from the floating board, sailors counted how many knots passed through their hands during a set amount of time (often measured with a sandglass). The number of knots counted became the ship’s speed.

While we were touring the academy, visiting the different areas and learning their meaning, I heard some phrases that I want to share because of the way they apply to leadership.

At the beginning of the visit, the Admiral said, “Whenever someone comes to you seeking instruction, motivation, and guidance, you are in command.” This is the essence of leadership. We constantly connect with people through formal and informal encounters. Whether teaching a message from a pulpit or chatting with a friend at the kitchen table, the most casual moment becomes crucial as we invest in the lives of those around us. As a result of these encounters, the Christian leader assumes her leadership with authority and demonstrates the character of Christ in every conversation and teaching.

The second phrase is very similar to the first, “The one in command, commands.” This reminded me that leadership demands courage in taking responsibility. Commanding doesn’t mean “being the boss,” as those who practice oppression often do to demonstrate who has more power. Rather, being in charge represents having the courage, which comes from God, to act wisely at the right time. This does not happen by chance. When God calls us to serve, whether through a profession or ministry, we must take steps of obedience to be prepared. 1 Peter 1:13 calls us to this: “Therefore, prepare your minds for action and be alert; put your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed” (NTV). Intellectual preparation, spiritual and emotional intelligence is indispensable because it allows us to “command” with wisdom and courage at the opportune moment.

Finally, there is the motto of the United States Naval Academy: “Don’t give up the ship,” which symbolizes courage, perseverance, and dedication to the mission. The phrase comes from Captain James Lawrence in the War of 1812, who, mortally wounded aboard USS Chesapeake, ordered his crew, “Don’t give up the ship!” as they fought the British. Although the ship was eventually lost, his words inspired Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, who had a battle flag made with “DONT GIVE UP THE SHIP” and flew it during the Battle of Lake Erie, where the U.S. won a major victory.

In Galatians 6:9, encourages us to persevere: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Leadership can be seen as the ship. There are many challenges that arise when sailing the seas, and at some point, abandoning “the ship,” or your calling, may seem like a better option than persevering. But I encourage you “don’t give up the ship,” keep going even in the midst of the storm, because Jesus has already won the battle for you.