There’s cussing in my favorite songs. My friends at church are shocked that I listen to it. What’s the big deal?

Physical fitness is 20% exercise and 80% nutrition. In other words, you can exercise all day, but if you don’t eat well, you may look a little better, but you still aren’t maximizing your potential. It’s the same with music. What we put into ourselves helps us reach our full potential. I listen to all types of music. I like hip-hop, rock & roll, pop, jazz—you name it! However, I’m more careful about the content than I am the genre. I like to listen to music that helps build the person I want to be and create the environment I want around me. Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Guard your hearts…and your ears, so that you can reach your full potential.

Captain Darell Houseton
The Chapel at Worthington Woods, Ohio

“What we put into ourselves helps us reach our full potential. I listen to all types of music. I like hip-hop, rock & roll, pop, jazz—you name it!”

What does the “S” on your Salvation Army uniform stand for?

In the early days of The Salvation Army, the “S” was an easy identifier for a soldier or member of The Salvation Army. The pin was easy to reproduce and could be pinned upon anything: coat, collar, or cuff. Later, the “S” began to stand for Saved to Serve, Saved to Save, Salvation Soldier, or Sanctified Salvationist*. Personally, my “S” signifies I am Saved, Sanctified, and I Serve a risen Savior.

Major Jason Swain
National Headquarters, Virginia

Did you ever go through a period of doubt in your journey of faith?

I don’t recall a crisis of faith but there have been challenging times. It is interesting but in these times, I learned the most. My dad died seemingly very young and I was shattered, yet out of that I discovered God is more faithful than I thought possible.

General Brian Peddle
London, England

The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. An officer in The Salvation Army is an ordained minister of Christian faith. They dedicate their lives, skills and service completely to God. Submit your question to an officer at peermag.org/contribute

*Salvationist: a member of The Salvation Army 

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION required by Act of Aug. 12, 1970; Section 3685, Title 39, U.S. Code, for the Young Salvationist published monthly at 615 Slaters Lane, Alexandria, VA 22314. Publisher: The Salvation Army, 615 Slaters Lane, Alexandria, VA 22314; Editor-in-Chief and Literary Secretary, Lt. Colonel Allen Satterlee, same address. Owners: The Salvation Army, same address. Known bondholders, mortgagees and other security holders: none. Purpose, function and non-profit status of organization and exempt status for Federal income tax purposes have not changed in preceding 12 months. During past 12 months: total number copies printed, 29,214; sales through paid subscriptions and agents, 28,900; free distribution, 380; total distribution, 29,314. Average for each issue during past 12 months: total printed, 29,614. Total copies printed for September 2018 was: 0.