No two people have the same challenges in life;
Life struggles are as unique as fingerprints.
Munawar Abadullah
Forget the ‘About’ or ‘Profile’ page. Let’s be honest, you can find that stuff on LinkedIn. What you really care about, however, is context. As in, “How can Kermit help me?” or “What can he bring to our conversation that I may find transformational?” That’s a bit deeper than a simple bio or resume. If you’re sincere in discovering the answers, I invite you to connect with me and we can explore the possibilities together.
We may decide to work together. We may not. I don’t yet know.
I do know, however, that life is an ongoing discovery of relationships and experiences, and we have a choice in how we respond. I love to meet interesting and amazing people … and that means I’d love to meet you!
This page is simply a sampling of my own experiences – some context – a bit of history. History is the past, and while it shapes us, it does not define us. I am living in the present with an eye to the future, and I invite you to do the same.
If you’re wondering, “Who is Kermit Jones, Jr.?” then you’re not alone. I sometimes wonder that very thing, myself. I’m not who I was yesterday, and I’ve not yet become who I will be tomorrow. I’ve been a U.S. Naval Officer for more than two decades, both Line & Staff, Active & Reserve. I’ve founded a 501(c)3 non-profit, authored a best selling children’s book series, bootstrapped a small publishing company, and more. I’m blessed to be raising four amazing daughters, and I’m married to a woman so awesome, I fall in love with her more and more each day, even though it should be impossible.
You’ll find a bit of context throughout this site. I invite you to explore, to look around, and simply determine if anything resonates with you. As you do so, I only ask that you keep a few things in mind. Society’s narrative often unknowingly attempts to redefine certain words or realities that we must remain clear on. In addition to the three insights I listed on the Coaching page, there are three underlying contexts I find useful for many discussions.
Tolerance
Many want to redefine tolerance as acceptance. But it is impossible to “accept” a belief that goes against your own. Tolerance is not accepting what someone believes; it’s about accepting their right to believe something you think is wrong. Agreeing to disagree agreeably signifies true tolerance. We don’t have to agree on anything except how amazing you are.
Forgiveness
Forgiveness isn’t about being okay with what someone has done; forgiveness is about choosing to be okay with someone despite what they’ve done. It’s about deciding that the relationship is more important than the mistake that was made. Forgiving others is important – it can be hard. Forgiving oneself is critical – it’s often harder.
Faith
Full disclosure: I am a Christian. I’m also completely imperfect, I mess up a lot, and I can only promise I won’t thump you with it. We can discuss it. Or not. Your call. As a Navy Chaplain, I often support others in the exercise of their own faith, even when it disagrees with my own.
See ‘Tolerance’ to the left.
1998 – B.S. – USNA – SWO (Surface Warfare Officer)
2001 – Navy Chaplain Candidate
2005 – MDiv – SWTBS – Chaplain – SWO (Spiritual Warfare Officer)
2013 – Navy Reserves
2015 – Began Coaching
2016 – Doctoral Candidate, MBTS
2019 – Director, CREDO Marine Forces Reserve