Up Close

I read an old African proverb recently which simply said:

When I saw him from afar, I thought he was a monster.

When he got closer, I thought he was just an animal.

When he got closer, I recognized that he was a human.

When we were face to face, I realized that he was my brother.

We aren't actively compassionate when we're standing so far apart from people in need. Are we willing to be the first ones to step forward and form a bridge of peace? Will we close the gap with our minimalized, threatened, oppressed, and misunderstood brothers and sisters so we can be part of the solution moving forward in unity? The first step in the right direction is often the most difficult one to take. 

We've got to close the distance between people to realize we are in this together. 

Band of Brothers

I am incredibly blessed to have a group of five guys that I meet with once a month. We made a commitment last March to meet at least once a month and work together to be better men. We read books on genuine Christianity, being a leader, developing into a better husband, and leading our children to Christ. I enjoy our discussions and the honesty that we are able to have with each other as we strive to follow Christ with our lives.

While I love the intellectual and spiritual challenge that we are able to bring to the group I know this isn't the greatest benefit. We have developed a brotherhood of men that prays earnestly for each other, holds each other accountable to the pledge to be a Christian man, and supports each other through peaceful and tough times. I value the bond we have with each other and the confidence I have in trusting them as we back each other up.

God didn't intend for us to go through this life alone. When we are able to find relationships that help us to grow closer to Him, we see this more clearly.