Highlights from the Life Leaders seminar on “Sheep, Shepherds, and Sheep Dogs–When and How to be all 3” led by Col. Stretch Dunn (USA Ret):

Most people are born as sheep. Far too many remain as sheep–productive when they need to be though often get themselves in trouble and often do not help fellow sheep. Sheep need shepherds to plan for them and protect them.

Shepherds need sheep dogs to help take care of the sheep.

Most of us will find times when we need to be sheep dogs to protect. It might be as military, first-responder, or a home invasion. It more likely will be providing emotional, spiritual, or financial protection when a predator is taking advantage.

The call to prepare to be shepherds and sheep dogs is a call to altruism–to care more about others instead of just be a sheep, or worse, a wolf in sheep’s clothing (preying on others).

We are called to be sheep dogs–and to mentor more sheep dogs–while remembering who is our Shepherd. The speaker and group agreed, “The Lord is my shepherd….”

We can develop as better shepherds and sheep dogs by thinking about the needs of those close to us, writing one or more ways we could be better or do better. We might need to listen better, encourage more, or take better care of ourselves physically and emotionally to set an example. Look in the mirror, you will see ways you want to improve and inwardly hear how you could watch out for others and be there when they need you.

Col. Dunn co-authored with me Professionalism Under Stress: 7 Lessons for Professionalism, Stress, and Gunfighting in Military and Civilian Life where some of the ways we can prepare for the call to serve are mentioned–www.ProfessionalismUnderStress.com