AUGUST 5, 2022
For two years now, brother Randy and I have been working with our group of young men called our “Foundational Band of Brothers.” During these sessions, we asked numerous community and state leaders to present a short program to; enlighten our young men and inspire them to grow as young professionals; encouraging our men to be intentional about leading others, growing as Authentic men, and building on their faith, families and our respective careers. In addition, we had individual sessions with their spouses, (our Women of Worth) and fathers. Much of this was done to highlight the importance of their relationships as men which includes being a faithful husband, father, son, brother, leader and friend.
While we encourage this group to continue building on becoming better men within their group, Randy and I tried to reflect on and evaluate our last two year’s efforts to see where we might improve in making an impact on the lives of others. We came up with “10 take-a-ways” from our time together that we feel are most important in starting and/or maintaining your own Band of Brothers. Much of this information comes from Stephen Mansfield’s books. (“Men on Fire” and “Building Your Band of Brothers”) Not to come across as “male chauvinist pigs” or sexist, we would like for you women out there to be thinking; “Women need other women (Ladies first) and Men need other men to help each other navigate life.”
- We need other men in our lives to be the men we are called to be; “Band of Brothers is not a club, meeting, or self-help group. But a group of men we do life with.”
- The majority of men today have no meaningful connection with other men; Too many of us are trying to do life alone or are afraid to ask others for help.
- Duties and responsibilities of life become barriers or distractions to the very relationships with men that would have made me a better man;” (Check out “Cat’s in the Cradle” song by Harry Chapin)
- We need other men who are not afraid of you and will say whatever is needed to make you a better man; Make sure you are listening to the right men.
- Challenge men with specific goals for the critical battles of their lives; This means you will have to invest in yourself and others in pursuit of your destiny.
- “The man who is self-defined, who lives only in the light of his own understanding of himself, is a fool;” Try a balance of humility and pride here to even out the bumps in life.
- Men don’t get better unless they have a goal and someone fighting alongside them, who hold them accountable;
- Only cowards watch a friend destroy him/herself and never say a word. We need courageous fellow warriors who will tell us what we need to know and stick close until we fix it;
- “What happens in a Band of Brothers, stays in a Band of Brothers;”
- The “6 Band of Brother Essentials” needed for an effective group:
- Some means of constant contact
- Regular get-togethers of some kind
- Material on becoming an Authentic Man
- Plenty of time to chat
- Doing a trip or project together at least 1-2 times per year
- Always food and laughter
Be thinking about your own “Band of Brothers” or “Women of Worth.” You may be in a small group right now; a Bible study, a book club, a coffee group, or just a couple of friends getting together who enjoy each other’s company. Learn from each other. Be intentional about connecting on a deeper level. Be curious for understanding rather than judgment. (Try a little empathy here) Reciprocate your love for one another without expecting anything in return. Don’t be afraid to say; “I’m not ready yet” but don’t wait too long to make that important commitment. Make sure you have those in your group who will “Lift you up” rather than take you down by gossip or inuendo. It may just be the life-changing experience you need right now.
WHO are your Band of Brothers?
Elevator Guy
Quote for the Day: “True friends are those who “lift you up” when no one else even noticed you were down.” Anonymous