Shepherds and Warriors salutes Dr. Tom Seals and God’s Word for Warriors.
When writing about Dr. Tom Seals the first question you must ask yourself is what to leave out of a 300-word story about a man who is a well-educated author, military veteran, retired university professor, and director of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation.
A family photo album may include a picture of a young shoeshine boy, it would certainly include a photo of a teenager in his beloved Marine uniform, pictures with his late wife, Barbara, his children, grandchildren, and several photos covering his 28 years as a professor at Lipscomb University.
In 2016, while at Lipscomb University, Dr. Tom designed the college course, Faith and Culture: God’s Word for Warriors. The class addressed from a biblical perspective many of the issues and obstacles that surface as veterans attempt to successfully reintegrate back into American culture. Critical issues addressed included anger management, depression, survivors’ guilt, moral injury, spiritual injury, and post-traumatic stress; but equally important were the dynamics that emerged among the veterans in the classroom. Veteran empathy, understanding, support and healing filled the classroom. This course experience led to the formation of the nonprofit, God’s Word for Warriors (GWFW) in 2018.
Through faith-based curriculum grounded on biblical teaching and principles, as well as peer-based support, GWFW is delivering healing and a wholeness of life to veterans and their dependents. GWFW’s desire is for our nation’s veterans and their families to be spiritually, socially, and physically healthy. When I was listening to Dr. Tom speak passionately about veteran needs and biblical solutions, the words of Jesus quickly came to my mind, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
With numerous courses developed and ready for delivery, along with a future transition team established, GWFW is strategically positioned to support our military community in the years ahead.
For more information about Dr. Tom Seals and GWFW, please visit their website godswordforwarriors.com.
