Sometimes a terrific gem pops up in the media and you wonder why you weren't you the one to come up with such a catchy phrase. This is one that I found in my archive. News.com article on the RAAF's Multirole-Tanker is termed a “flexible use asset.”
The article by the defence writer Ian McPhedran features not only this new refueling mid-air tanker but its flying personnel, two brilliant young women, Corporal Kelli Schneider and Flying Officer Simone Batchelor.
Batchelor who is married to a “fast jet fighter” pilot said of this refuelling aircraft: "There is no other aircraft that can carry 270 passengers and 109 tonnes of fuel to refuel other jets."
Then comes the classic military comment by Air force chief Air Marshal Geoff Brown who describes the KC-30A as giving the RAAF a global reach and as a "flexible use asset."
It reminds me of a humourous USA political press conference encounter in the 1980's when the US Government's spokesman detailed their latest US-Mexican border illegal- immigrant defence plan as a 'Deep Width Prevention Measure'. One of the reporters chipped in, exclaiming, “Oh, you mean a big ditch.”
The term “flexible use asset” might be utilised for many a handy item in any number of scenarios.
I can think of the Laguna Quays Respite missionary cottage and the dual cab motor vehicle that was originally made available for their use while they visit. This is one of those hard yakka vehicles, not the beautifully cushioned leather seats of, say a Fairlane. Yet there would be no better term for this multi-purpose vehicle than a “flexible use asset.”
On our visits there we have worked tirelessly on the garden and this has necessitated collecting gifted soil and gifted horse manure in the tray of the dual cab. On other occasions we've carted a wheel barrow and other house hold large utensils in the tray of the dual cab. Meanwhile it has transported comfortably the missionaries around the area such as grocery shopping in Proserpine and Whitsunday Island tours at Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour.
The Bible
But there is no better use for this catchy phrase, 'flexible use asset' than the good book, the Bible.
The Bible over its long history has provided a myriad of experiences to those who have read it—consider these:
Salvation
History
Comfort
Serenity
Poetry
Wisdom
Eternity
Well-Being
Science
Geography
Medicinal
Careers
Encouragement
Peace
Conflict
Relationships
Love
Marriage
Destruction
Warnings
Action
Prayer
Solitude
And that's only a cursory list.
If ever there was a book that covered all of life with its highs and lows that is a 'flexible use asset'—it's the Bible.
The best book to read is the Bible; if you read it every day, it will help you on your way, the best book to read is the Bible. This site provides a list titled: “What does the Bible say about itself”—take a squizz!
Moreover, it's a flexible use asset.
Dr Mark Tronson is a Baptist minister (retired) who served as the Australian cricket team chaplain for 17 years (2000 ret) and established Life After Cricket in 2001. He was recognised by the Olympic Ministry Medal in 2009 presented by Carl Lewis Olympian of the Century. He has written 24 books, and enjoys writing. He is married to Delma, with four adult children and grand-children. Dr Tronson writes a daily article for Christian Today Australia (since 2008) and in November 2016 established Christian Today New Zealand.
Mark Tronson's archive of articles can be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/mark-tronson.html
Dr Mark Tronson - a 4 min video
Chairman – Well-Being Australia
Baptist Minister 45 years
- 1984 - Australian cricket team chaplain 17 years (Ret)
- 2001 - Life After Cricket (18 years Ret)
- 2009 - Olympic Ministry Medal – presented by Carl Lewis
- 2019 - The Gutenberg - (ARPA Christian Media premier award)
Gutenberg video - 2min 14sec
Married to Delma for 45 years with 4 children and 6 grand children