The Strength of the Wolf is the Pack...

Men have something built in them that somehow pushes them to believe that we are strongest when we are an army of one, that we can conquer kingdoms all by ourselves and that to ask another guy for assistance is a sign of weakness. Truth be told, a man has a hard time going to the grocery store alone and bringing home all the items wifey mentioned. Ask any wife and see if the statement isn't generally true.

In my specific line of work I've come across many "alpha" men who have a very personalized way of doing life...not that it's wrong or right, it's just so indicative of that guy's personality or character. We all have this and function out of it, from it, or towards it at any given time. The fact is that many people try to correct this behavior by using some sort of modification technique. 

I feel like when we do this it's almost like trying to take the man out of how God created him and make him into a template of how God made me. I believe that if I accept a guy based on his behaviors then I will have reason to disrupt our communication. On the other side of the coin, what if I accept this person based on the potential within him. What if together, we decide to allow him to be himself and at the same time we work towards allowing God to mold him the way He sees fit, and become more like Christ? As structured and churchy as that may seem, it really isn't but it does present an opportunity for a mans individuality all the while being transformed. I have worked with some men that together we built a bridge between his attribute, strengths, and powers and his individualized inherent traits to be used for the glory of God and His work in this imperfect person. And man let me tell you... they make a beautiful melody together. A different sort of sculpture chiseled away by authenticity, unmerited love, and coupled with an intimate hug that says, "God loves you the way your are and so do I".

Bottom line is that, like the wolf who feels that his strength is in himself, a mindset adaptation and adjustment promotes the realization that I am accepted, loved, and supported by the pack that surrounds me. Isn't this what happens when we lead off with the love of Christ, and when we push aside our own sideline ticket? Yup...together men can conquer anything, but left alone will tire and fizzle out. Alone is not a good walk.

Comments

THE HEART OF A CHAMPION

During their basketball dominance, the Houston Rockets were almost defeated during their second championship run and one thing most enthusiasts remember was hearing the coach, Rudy Tomjanovich, quoting Kevin Johnson’s phrase, “never underestimate the heart of a champion”. He was referring to the Rockets team after they came back and won the title championship game. This was an incredible game, but more than that, it brought out the best of the best when it was needed most. I share this inspirational story because we as men aren’t always bringing our best during the times we need it most. At times we give in to pressure, to conflict, to the nay-sayers that convince us we cannot do something. Sometimes our A game turns out to be a B game. We are satisfied to move from the starting position to the second string. Why is that men? Why is it that we can so easily settle for a lesser us? I believe it has a lot to do with a man’s self-confidence. His unique personal makeup and all that...

A Good Old Fishing Story

As the fellowship of guys grows within our communitites, there seems to always be that one "fishing" story that is almost too hard to believe and somehow always trumps anyone else's story. You know exactly what I am referring to because most men have either told that story or hve been in a group where someone else tells the story. I think this is a story told round the world, so to speak. Men are men and as competitive as we are, we always want to have a better story than the rest of the pack. That's just the way men do things as part of fellowship with other men. I actually am witness to a story that, as I think about it, sounds impossible and exaggererated but trust me it's not since I actually was there at that very moment. So a couple of my buds and I planned a fishing trip for a few days and while there we each tried and tested artificial lures and some live bait. For the most part a few fish were caught but nothing to brag on. At least not until one of my bu...

Color My World

Not that I’m being nosey, well, maybe sometimes I am, but I am absolutely mesmerized by listening to people as they talk with one another or to me. Obviously, it’s impossible for me to ascertain what is occurring in their minds, so I’m left to formulate that whatever is in their minds at that moment, is what may guide or steer that particular conversation. Something I’ve learned in my years of counseling and being a mentor, is that I must be very intentional when talking to someone, that I listen to what is being said, and just as important, to what is not being said. Active listening some folks may call it, but it’s the keen ability to listen deeply to someone and not just hear them. At times Active listening requires utilizing many of the other human senses to learn more about them. Like the cologne they have on, are they right or left handed, what are some repetitive words and phrases they use, and of course, asking the right questions. All this information goes a long way int...

The Tin Man Saga

Search This Blog