The great state of Alaska recently tried a new slogan: "Alaska B4UDIE." Yes, you read that right—"Alaska Before You Die." Tourism officials said that a lot of people dream of traveling to Alaska; they put it on their "before-I-die" to-do list. The new "branding" attracted lots of people to the Alaska tourism website. Most were probably in that "before-you-die" demographic. But some, like me, fell into another category: the "what-were-they-thinking?" camp.
I confess I felt much the same way when I first heard the new national "branding" for The Salvation Army: "Doing the Most Good." I wondered whether we were comparing our organization to others. And I also wondered why God wasn't in the slogan we present to the public.
Then I saw the "manifesto" that goes along with our branding. Take a look at it; it's on the back cover of this issue. That extended statement describes the Army I know: a church with a heart for Jesus and unbounded compassion for serving people in His name.
I was still in the process of adjusting to our new statement when I began putting this issue together. As you look at our major features, you'll see that each one has a category, such as "All That I Am" or "Serving Together." I thought, "Maybe I can find one story that fits this 'Doing the Most Good' idea." As you'll see, I labeled one story that way (check out which one in the Table of Contents). But it was a very hard decision. You see, I discovered, to my surprise and delight, that every feature in this issue could carry the tagline, "Doing the Most Good."
Ask yourself, "Am I doing the most good?" Not in comparison to anyone, but in the sight of God? To me, the "most good" we do in Priority! is to glorify Him as we tell the stories of people who serve Jesus and others. Isn't that what you want to do "B4UDIE"?
Linda
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