The Vanity Fair 'style' Interviews
- Captain Amy Reardon
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Once I had a dream where I was at a party, and the guest
of honor was Jesus. He sat on the couch telling stories and
laughing, and I sat at his feet. I often revisit that dream in
my mind, because in it I knew perfect happiness. Someday it
will come true. Lord, haste the day!
What is your greatest fear?
As a Christian, I wouldn’t say I have any genuine fears
because I trust God to redeem any situation. But perhaps my
greatest concern is that one of my sons might make a bad
marriage, and even end up in a divorce. I’ve been there, and
yes, a person can survive. But I never want them to know that
pain.
What living person do you most admire?
Nancy Cox (formerly Helms). Her constancy in her relationship
with God despite the great adversity in her life has affected
me more than I can say. When she was a young corps officer,
her husband was killed by a drunk driver. She was left with 3
children – one of whom was just a few months old, one of whom
was physically handicapped and deaf. She never blamed God for
one moment and continued to serve him as an officer, even when
further tragedy ensued in her life. She remarried this past
summer, about 13 years after Drew’s death.
With which historical figure do you most identify?
Probably Phoebe Palmer, the 19th century American holiness
teacher and social justice activist. I understand her journey.
I just wish I could achieve the same results.
What is the trait you deplore most in others?
I think what bothers me most is unchecked sarcasm.
What is your greatest extravagance?
There isn’t much time, resource or desire for extravagance in
my life! But, I do like really good cheese, and every once in
a while I’ll buy some for no justifiable reason.
What is your favourite journey?
Actual journey? My two trips to Bermuda – though I wish my
husband Rob had been there. There are other great ways I take
journeys, however. I look at Rob’s pictures from his youth and
imagine I knew him then. I read the journals I have been
keeping since childhood, meeting myself at every age, and I
see God’s faithfulness throughout my entire life. Finally, I
love to watch period and/or location films and journey into
another time/place – anything from “Pride and Prejudice” to
“Indiana Jones.”
What do you consider the most over-rated virtue?
I don’t know if I’d call it a virtue exactly, but many people
seem to think it is wonderful to be outgoing. I don’t think
it’s so great. I’m very outgoing, and because of it I often
wind up saying something stupid or otherwise embarrassing
myself!
What talent would you most like to have?
I wish I could dance ballet. I wouldn’t ditch officership and
join a company or anything, but I just wish I could express
myself that way.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it
be?
I wish I were more productive.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
I don’t think there could be any more miserable human state
than that of a child who does not feel loved and safe.
What is your most treasured possession?
When I was pregnant with my middle son Wes, my eldest, Kyle,
was 8 years old. Knowing finances were tight, Kyle designed
and hand sewed a diaper bag for me secretly, in his bedroom.
He used fabric he’d had left over from making a beaver puppet
for school; it was brown and furry. I found him just as he was
finishing the bag, and we decided to sew over the hand
stitching with a sewing machine. Later, at a baby shower,
someone gave me a diaper bag. Kyle looked ashamed. He said, “I
made you that diaper bag because I knew we didn’t have much
money. I didn’t know someone was going to give you one.” But
it was the brown furry bag that I adored and carried
everywhere. I’ll keep it forever.
What is your most marked characteristic?
That’s a hard question, because it requires that I see myself
from other people’s point of view. I’m often told that I come
across as confident, so I guess that would be it. Not very
noble, I suppose.
Who are your favourite writers?
Mostly I read non-fiction. I like Donald Bloesch, Clark
Pinnock and Commissioner Phil Needham for theology. I really
resonate with Frederick Buechner. My favorite fiction writer
is 19th century author George MacDonald. He was also C.S.
Lewis’s favorite fiction writer, so I guess I’m in good
company! I don’t read MacDonald’s fantasy books, but his other
books about country clergy and especially about a character
named Gibbie. I learned a great deal about what it means to
pastor people and love God through his books. Also, I am quite
moved by the poetry of John Donne. C.S. Lewis is also a
favourite.
Who is your favourite hero of fiction?
Sir Gibbie, George MacDonald’s character. His devotion to God
is inspiring.
Who are your heroes in real life?
Commissioner Linda Bond, Lt. Colonel Marlene Chase, and Major
Nancy Cox.
What is your motto?
I often recite a line from a song about holiness: “Victory or
defeat, it’s up to me to decide.” Through the power of the
Holy Spirit, I am capable of turning my back on sin and
submitting to God. The choice is mine.
|