Grief

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Sometimes the news comes quick. Sometimes the news comes slow. No matter how or when it comes, grief travels in the wake of the news. Grief is heavy, weighty, a burden, especially when it involves someone deeply loved. Grief is not meant to be carried alone. It’s too heavy and may last a while—and that’s ok. That’s what family and friends are for, to share the load. Jesus stood outside the tomb of his friend and wept but He did not weep alone. It was a deep, human moment. “ Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted ” (Matt 5:4). If anyone knows how we feel in grief, it’s Him. But His grief did not linger long, as at the mention of his name, Lazarus came forth. We are not meant to dwell in grief, but should leave room enough for it. Let it run its course. Like the song says, “ Every Storm Runs Out Of Rain .” Another song says, “ The storm We will dance as it breaks The storm It will give as it takes And all of our pain is washed away Don't cry or be afraid Some things...

Day 2: What Does It Take To Be A Man?

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Many books fill my shelves and if I can't find what I'm looking for, I know where to find more books. Entire rooms and buildings full of individuals speaking their mind on pages. A silent crowd all speaking at once on their subjects.

No matter where I look, I am unable to find a book or passage that adequately says "this is a man."  Is the man a kind of warlord and conqueror? A wild man? Does he suddenly appear on the scene or does he arrive subtly? Does he "bang on his shield," declaring his existence and receive his entitlement or does he quietly and unassumingly work for all he wants or needs? Benjamin Franklin's quest led him to find virtue by imitating Socrates and Jesus--is a man's life defined by what he dies for? It's an age-old question that even Tom Scholz of one of my favorite bands, "Boston" sought to find out (lyrics here):



There must be something more to manhood than being the adult human male. This is why I like Tom's song. 
  • A man must have heart and soul, strength and gentleness, the ability to look ahead and outside himself. 
  • A man must be willing to give and even if there's nothing to receive. 
  • A man knows what he believes, knows why he believes it and speaks with conviction with what he knows. 
  • A man is aware of what he feels as well as what others feel. He empathizes and sympathizes. 
  • A man is more than a biological construct. He is a thinking, feeling soul. 
In short, a man is forward-moving, seeking to better himself and contribute to those around him. 

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