A Father Heard

“You Should Meet Someone!”

September 30, 2018September 30, 2018 A Father Heard

This Saturday, the team and I invited men ages 16+ to attend the second annual Mastering Manhood Conference. The purpose of the Mastering Manhood Conference is to empower for personal and professional development. We seek to inspire and encourage men to embrace community, responsibility, education, family, and legacy. To challenge and strengthen our men and young men to be leaders. What does that mean? We believe reclaiming the individual’s ideal of his manhood will redefine his community. At the intersection of reclaiming masculinity and redefining community, you’ll find a man walking a journey to a healthier version of himself.

In this day and age, we see many terms thrown around to define certain things. We’re not interested in aligning with those buzzwords. What we want to see is for men to be, who they are meant to be at the innermost of their core. Too many times, that is lost through life a person’s experiences, i.e. absent father, broken relationships, chasing success, etc. Through these experiences, the man loses his purpose. And, a man without a purpose is a danger to himself and society. We desire to change it.

The “Art of the Comeback” was this year’s theme for the conference. I don’t think anyone left away disappointed. The speakers and men in attendance were in one accord on this day. And, it was a tremendous time of inspiration, reflection, connection, and compassion. Words not, often, associated with men. It is, however, what we aimed for when we thought about creating this event. It has become an exciting and safe space for men to be men without their masks. Vulnerable! Hungry! Passionate for change!

How, exactly, did this event come into existence. It started with a follow through on “You should meet someone!” and a challenge to “Dream Big” after two different meetings. Those two statements uttered two years ago, set the stage for three friends to take on the task of designing the Mastering Manhood Conference. As we followed the recommendation to meeting someone, we came face to face with our own vulnerabilities, hunger, and passion for change. Totally in alignment with the vision, we stumbled upon an actualization of our purpose as you can see in the picture below. This young man flew from the Midwest to Texas to participate in the conference. Unsure of what to expect, he arrived with an open heart. He left filled, and ready to accept the challenge of “meeting someone” and finding his own purpose.

The Pain In My Back (part 2)

September 16, 2018September 17, 2018 A Father Heard

If you’ve never experienced a vertebral subluxation, you should count yourself blessed. In my last article, I started writing about my experience with this condition. After what was an extremely challenging week, it was followed with a week of improvement and progress. Much of the pain has left my body; as well as, the tingling in my feet. After several days of chiropractic adjustments and stretching, I can say that I feel much better. I can get in and out of the car without pain. I can pick up my little ones.

Thinking about how this condition came out of no where, it reminds me of how life can take a turn on us at a moments notice. One minute everything is going well, there isn’t a care in the world. All of sudden, there’s an application of pressure calling on us to adjust to this situation. Depending on our foundation, our adjustments will facilitate or impede or progress. If you go back to my previous article, you see how it ends with an affirmation of what is an expectation of a quick recovery. My foundation is rooted in my faith, that my God is a healer. At the same time, my faith requires something of me. It requires me to follow the treatment plan. It requires me to rest my body. It requires me to align my body and mind.

adult back view blur boy — Photo by Spencer Selover on Pexels.com

The Pain in My Back

September 8, 2018December 11, 2020 A Father Heard

This past week has been a challenging one for me. Why has this week been more difficult than other weeks as of late? Well, I’m glad that you asked! It started with back pain, that came out of no where. Mind you! I’ve felt this pain 2-3 times before in the past year. Each time, it comes on with no warning. When it strikes, I’m down for the count for several days. Then, it goes away and things are back to normal. This week, that was not the case. The usual suspects (tightness in the thighs, throbbing in my hips, and burning in the small of my back) were present. However, they decided to bring a friend (tingling in my foot and lower leg).

All of this prompted me to contact a chiropractor, which I’ve never had to do in the past. Never crossed my mind. But this time, it was different. I begin to search my insurance company’s website for one. I find the one closest to me, and I make that call in the morning. Thirty minutes after making that call, I’m sitting inside of the Chiropractor’s Office. Each step full of agonizing pain, that won’t go away.

I fill out the intake forms, take care of vitals signs, and begin to share my story. My story prompts them to take an x-ray, and that’s when the intruder is revealed. However, I don’t get this information until the next day at my second appointment. Sublaxation of the spine! I’m not really feeling this information. The day before, I walk into this office thinking that she’ll crack my back and I’ll be good to go. Now, it’s something else. I’m embarking on what the doctor describes to me as a long process. A treatment plan consisting of twenty visits. Definitely, not feeling that information!

Grateful that I’ve insurance to use for this situation. But, the thought of a $30/copay for each visit is not what I need at this time. I mean I’ve a family to feed and bills to pay. Started a new position at work as this week, and I’ve had to miss close to three days of an already shortened week. I’m expected do stretch every hour. Didn’t I mention that I have to work? I’ve kids, who I long to roughhouse with. I’ve got a weeds to pull. Blah, Blah, Blah!

I could go on and on about the pain caused by the pain in my back. But, that’s not the end of the story. After receiving treatment, it feels a lot better. I’ve gained back a lot of range of motion from the prescribed stretches. I’m walking a little more. I’m more cognizant of my posture after a coworker shared an article on back pain. I’ve the faith, that God will speed up my healing process! When I feel discomfort, I’m reminded of how much I need to rely on Him to get me through it. In my weakness, He is made strong!

Reflection on Psalm 23 (King James Version 1611)

August 20, 2018August 20, 2018 A Father Heard

green mountain — Photo by Enrico Perini on Pexels.com

[1] The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

[2] He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me besides the still waters.

[3] He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

[4] Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

[5] Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: though anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

[6] Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

This chapter in the Bible is, one of the most widely known text, in all of the scriptures. It’s one of the first ones, that I remember my parents teaching to me as I was growing up. What is this God-inspired psalm written by David (a shepherd turned King) telling us.

I believe it is letting us know, that no matter what we go through God is always there for us. If He is there, we can be sure that he has come with provision and protection. The same way that sheep rely on their shepherd, we must rely upon our God. No matter what you’re going through fear is replaced by comfort, lack is replaced by provision, blessings come in abundance, and His presence is reliable. When we find our self in a quiet place with Him, we are able to experience a peace like no other. In this place, we’re able to come to our senses.

If you’re like me, there are times when we are bogged down with life. Whether it’s stress from work or family, it can consume us. The car is in need of a gas tank. You’ve got too much month at the end of the money. It doesn’t matter what it is; because, it won’t out last his provision and protection. I hope that you’re encourage on today to speak life into your situation by resting in the Most High.

Mastering Manhood

August 19, 2018August 19, 2018 A Father Heard

As of late, there’s been much talk about masculinity and what it means to be a man. Considering all of the negative statistics related to behaviors from men, it is wise for our society to think about the impact of masculinity. With focus and intention, masculinity on display is a very constructive force to be reckoned with. For instance, a husband loving his spouse as she battles through a terminal illness. Although he’s been pushed to the limits of his emotions, he continues to love her unconditionally. His love births in us a desire to be more loving to our own family. When left unchecked, it is as destructive as a wildfire on a windy day. His tongue is uncontrollable, and everyone is tip toeing around the house to avoid setting off a ticking time bomb. Let’s flee as fast as we can from being like the last father, and flock to becoming more like the husband.

man in black crew neck shirt taking selfie — Photo by Arvind shakya on Pexels.com

Walking this journey to becoming a man is a long, arduous process. Becoming a man is full of up’s and down’s. It’s littered with contradictions as to who he really is and who the society wants him to be. Constantly striving to reach the pinnacle of manhood, men of all ages are navigating the idea of what it means to be a man. Can one really Master Manhood? What does that really mean? If you go to Mastering Manhood, you’ll get a glimpse.

My friends (Joshua Banks and Isaac Rowe) decided that we needed to do something in our city to build up our men. As you may recall in my first post (Can You Hear Me?), Frederick Douglass suggested that “It’s easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” However, it doesn’t mean that we don’t try! We went well past try, and DID THE THING in the form of a conference. We feel wholeheartedly; in order to redefine community, we must reclaim masculinity. It’s our desire to empower and inspire men to embrace community, responsibility, family, education, and legacy. A man, who isn’t willing to tackle those five areas in his life, is doomed to crack on the pressure. The Mastering Manhood Conference is designed to bring men together to play an active role in their personal and professional development. When we focus and create a powerful intention, we heal ourselves and those connected to us. Now, that’s what it means to be a man!