What are some characteristics of a “Man”? Strong? Fearless? In control? Leadership? Calm and Collected? These are all traits that any man would strive for. They are all great in their own way, but here in Thailand we are learning to embrace the “opposites” of these traits.
Characteristics of a MAN.
Vulnerability- What is strength really? Webster’s says the quality or state of being strong or the ability to resist force or attack. Just our second day here, some of the guys witnessed something horrific and intollerable. While riding around town, they witnessed a man violently beating a woman. They wanted to intervene, but were stopped by a local who said she was his wife. Does that make it OK? Hell no!! The guy ended up driving away before anything could be done. The guys had trouble for a day or so with regret for not intervening, what ifs, and anger towards that man. It could have gotten worse, but the guys opened up, asked for prayer, and we talked it out. Satan could have grabbed a hold of that anger and led these guys in a dark direction, but their vulnerability allowed us to seek eachother’s help and advice. We came together and stood strong in rightous anger at the violence that took place and prayed for the man to experience a life changing encounter of Christ. Satan will attack any way he can. Sometimes being strong is sharing in vulnerability with eachother to form a stronger union.
Servanthood- I have been a leader in the foodservice world for nearly a decade now, and I have come to learn that the best leaders are htose who have been at the bottom first. You must first learn what it is like to work in the dish pit before you can manage a dishwasher. You must know how long it takes to peel 2 cases of potatoes before you can ask someone else to peel them in an hour. Learning how to be a servant first helps you become a better leader. This month I was asked to be the leader for “Manistry” month. I have managed people before, but this month wanted to learn to lead a group of men as equals and brothers. Sometimes it means choosing to do something I do not want to do, so othes can do something they want to do. Sometimes it means sitting in the back of a bouncy truck for two hours so someone else can have the air conditioned, cushy cab. Then sometimes it means playing with wild, clingy children to keep them occupied so your host can help cook dinner. I am trying to be a humble, selfless, servant leader. It comes with many difficulties. I have extra tasks to do weekly. I have to be the contact person with our host. I get asked endless questions, and need to get them answered ASAP. I also have extra eyes checking my actions as a leader. But I also get to see other sides to these men I am on this journey with. I get to build a relationship with our host. I get the opportunity to see others rest from leadership as I take the responsibility this month. I get to hear how I can be a better person and leader.
Flexability- Can you touch your toes without bending your knees? Neither can I. But I don’t mean that. I mean having a go with the flow attitude and not needing to know what will happen way in advance. The race has gone a long way in changing my need for schedules and structure. I used to think I needed to be in control of every moment and plan everything way in advance. Sometimes you have no control. Sometimes your host needs to go to another city and plans get changed. Sometimes it rains all day in the dry season and everything ges cancelled for the day. Be flexible. Having grace for our host and knowing plans change blesses them greatly and keeps you from getting stressed when something doesn’t go as planed. Allowing for flexability has kept our group of men from getting aggrivated or upset over little things. We have kept a cool attitude and know not to take things too seriously. Change is good, even in schedules.
Emotional- This goes along with vulnerability, but it has its own benefits. The world wants men to bottle up fears, sadness, and joy. Those attributes are sometimes associated with weakness. Bull$#!*. Fear means you are alive. Sadness means you have experienced joy. And joy means you love. Each of us guys have experienced an emotional time on the race. It could have kept us from getting closer together if we did not share them and kept them to ourselves. People have lost loved ones, seen things that shouldn’t be, and been hurt. Each time letting the emotions come over us and lifting them to God. Sharing with our brothers and allowing for bonding. I have cried more since starting the race than my entire adult life. Releasing emotions is freeing and strengthens my soul and resolve to love even more.
So I want to be Strong. I want to be a leader. I want to be in control when needed. However, I also want to be so much more. I want to be a MAN OF GOD.
