The primary purpose of Samson Society is for you yourself to exploit / take advantage of it to whatever degree you feel so moved relative to your personal recovery.
Samson Society costs nothing to participate in (except time). Its start was a tome written and published in the past few decades (2007). A tome which inspired men to begin meeting / following the simple format introduced. It was very grassroots with absolutely zero forecasted goals / established milestones (Mr. Nate Larkin's book sales weren't noteworthy).
Not long thereafter, "48 Hours of Frankness" weekends were spun-off along with a podcast and eventually National Retreats (the tenth of which will be held in 2023 - National Samson Society Summit).
Samson House (nonprofit arm of Samson Society) came to fruition around the halfway point of said annual National Retreats. As such, Samson Society's digital presence was upgraded dramatically, making this men's ministry more and more accessible (primarily via a plethora of scheduled / weekly Zoom Samson Society meeting opportunities).
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For Rob, here's how I specifically (personal journey) took advantage (time invested therein) of Samson Society (since 2014): After spending a few years within the mothership Jackson, Mississippi Samson Society group (starting in August 2014), I felt so moved to support the first "breakout" Jackson, Mississippi Samson Society group (Grace Crossing Church - Gluckstadt). I spent one year there, watching it bless that church / suburban metro area immensely. Eventually, I spearheaded a Samson Society group at my own church, Lakeside Presbyterian Church. I facilitated there for four years, every Saturday morning at 7 AM. What was so pleasing to see therein (besides the blessings that came from the meeting itself) was the spinoff meetings that reproduced as a result of our church's effort to support men so generously. Specifically, young (much younger than Rob) Samson guys took the bull by the horns and positioned Samson Society groups at their own home churches within the Jackson Metro.
I couldn't resist participating in the National Samson Society retreats throughout these years. Perhaps I've attended 5 or possibly 6 total, all of which were held in Middle Tennessee.
Too, I've attended 3-4 Jackson, Mississippi Samson Society specific retreats (organized by Mr. Don Waller). Not to mention a few regional (supported by Samson Society National) retreats both in GA and AL. And all of these were very beneficial to Rob's recovery for such a time as that.
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I'm me. You're you. The notion of plunging headfirst into Samson Society as I have may not be for you.
Nonetheless, I have to tout my Silas 3.0 (he began engaging with Samson Society back in April of 2022) at this point relative to me beginning to (trend) see him exploit / take advantage of this wonderful ministry within the same vein (gusto) that I have throughout the past eight years.
What's cool about this is how longstanding (15+ years) my friendship has been with this man / his family / extended family. Know too, our friendship was built on our sharing our mutual stories relative to sexual sin (it was awkward to say the least) at the outset (he was 30 / I was 35).
Who'd a thunk? (I realize I've stated that prior.)
Nonetheless, his approach to Samson Society feels validating to Rob, and I really appreciate that. It's weird to no longer be such the loner-Samson Society (holistic) zealot that I've sort of always been.
I'm so grateful for my Silas 3.0. His presence / commitment has made the less-than-supremely comfortable times (like at the present) within Samson Society worth it.
In closing, I'm happy to report that he and I are already both registered for the 2023 National Samson Society Retreat at Sky Ranch in East Texas.
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