The Sarah Society / Recommended Reading

Huma Abedin’s ‘No Apology’ Tour - POLITICO

Lagniappe

Silas #1.1

I actually wasn't so sure I would have the privilege of obtaining another Silas, yet I did so today.  

I do not simply choose to ask any Samson man to be my Silas.  Instead, I wait for God's prompting.  And frankly, I'd no idea if God would necessarily prompt, particularly at this time.  But he did.  And here I am.  Partnered with another man.  For as long as he'll have me.

What's unique about this relationship is its history.  For this man served as my very first Silas back in 2011 / 2012 before I knew the Samson Society verbiage, much less anything of the Samson Society.  

Here's the majority of a letter of thanks I wrote to this man back in October of 2018:

"I’m writing to thank you for showing me firsthand just how effective being in community truly is for Rob relative to sanctification and personal growth. The friendship that we had while you were youth pastor at Lakeside [Presbyterian Church] represented a period of time for me that literally changed my way of thinking as it pertains to what men can and should be doing for each other as brothers in Christ.  In fact, I would go so far as to say, without a shadow of a doubt, that my memory of our kind of friendship represents to me today my most cherished long-term goal in life. 

Were it not for your willingness to be authentic during our lunch that day at Jerusalem Café in Fondren, I seriously doubt that I would be as well versed in the power of community to the degree that I am. Thank you for taking that risk with me and for in turn giving me permission to do the same with you.

Lakeside served me well by introducing me to you and your family all those years ago, therefore I see our church as a place of significant episodic good work within the life of the Turners. Today, my family continues to enjoy worshipping there, and I’m privileged to facilitate one of four Samson Society groups in the Jackson Metro every Saturday morning on site.  In many ways, I do so in honor of my memory of the support I found during our time together.  Thanks again and much love to you and your family."

I wrote this due to my then growing friendship with Lakeside's now current youth pastor, and his willingness to triangulate between our friendship and my / his previous / present one.

To my surprise, my old friend responded to this correspondence almost immediately, and I used that opportunity to encourage him to attend the 2018 National Samson Society retreat.  Unfortunately, he wasn't able to do so, but he did attend in 2019, 2020, and this year's.  As such, during each of these annual weekend retreats, we were given the opportunity to reconnect.  Too, I attended a regional retreat he co-lead back in the summer that also provided opportunity for us to patiently resynchronize.  

I have great respect for this brother in Christ, but I'm also humbled to know that he would be willing to provide this service to me (again) all these years later.

The greatest defense / offense I have at my disposal as a Samson guy is my willingness to be vulnerable with my Silas.  Particularly when I'm tempted to consume pornography or soon thereafter (post consumption).  

Gay pornography is only becoming more and more pervasive, prevalent, mainstream, and customized.  I remain just as defeated relative to my sense of deep seated worthlessness.  Establishing a healthy, helpful, ongoing emotional connection with my Silas personally works against both of these truths.

Thanks be to God for Samson Society. 

 

Living Out The Remainder Of Life Sans Bio Brothers / Ushering In Loneliness

My dad's one of four Turner boys, born and reared in the Mississippi Delta.  This morning, around 4:30 AM, he became an only child due to his youngest brother, Ted, dying.  His older two brothers died in years past, and as such, neither of those two were close to him.  It's important to note that my father is in his late 60s, and in perfect health, therefore he's physically well positioned to live decades longer.

I can tell you now that the loneliness he's about to be faced with has the potential to shorten his life span tremendously.  And this is due to the fact that the loneliness will more than likely seed depression. 

A massive portion of my father's identity has always been tied to his "rank" (as boy #3) within that troupe of Turner men.  And that "rank" had the most relevancy in relation to his youngest brother, Ted.  I've actually never witnessed anything like it.  He served as Ted's "big brother".  And he had done so throughout his life.  This was a tenured position that no one could touch.  Except death, of course.

My father's penchant for nostalgia is unparalleled.  This may also play into his despair.  Especially whilst traveling through the Mississippi Delta town of Belzoni where he (& my mom) grew up (& adjacent to where my uncle Ted resided). 

Today marks the beginning of the remainder of my father's life.  My heart aches for him relative to facing his future as an only child.

Recommended Reading - WSJ

Churches Changed During the Pandemic and Many Aren’t Going Back - WSJ 

Recommended Reading - The Gospel Coalition

 What Skills Do You Need to Help Someone Defeat Porn? (thegospelcoalition.org)

Recommended Reading - Desiring God Post

 Take the Hill: How Mission Brings Men Together | Desiring God

Samson Society - The No Bull Briefing - November 2021

 

THE NO BULL BRIEFING - November 2021

We all know that successful recovery requires community. We can't do this alone. We need people to support us. Listen to us. Challenge us. We've helped simply this process with our new "Find a Brother" feature! Watch this video to learn how. HOT DAMME! BE A PART OF THIS HUGE OPPORTUNITY! For the second year in a row, Samson Society has received a year-end matching gift: every new contribution (excluding current monthly gifts)  between now and Dec. 31 will be matched dollar for dollar, capped at $65,000.  Remember, Samson Society doesn't have any dues or fees, but we do have expenses. Your contribution is an investment that pays dividends in your recovery and that of many others. We rescue families by helping men live in the freedom of authenticity. DONATE TODAY We are currently approximately 11% of the way to our end goal of $65,000.  Back story: It’s a funny thing how in recovery once the dormant parts of my brain started to heal, parts of my heart began to stir. A sponsor or Silas (I can’t recall who) advised me about 3 years ago to “get out of my own analytical brain a bit” and start to explore my right (creative) side of my brain. Poetry started to bubble up and this is one of the byproducts of my recovery that I just do for myself.   “That angels are with us is very sure, and no one should ever have doubted it,” and “Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me,” Martin Luther states matter-of-factly that angels are near and with us and listen. (Luther’s Morning Prayer) “The room” references what many in Recovering call their meeting – in strictest confidence seeking community and understanding and lasting change  Shared Secrets – Angels Listening By L Bailey I could feel your hidden places In the room I felt affinity, aligning with your inner pain You dropped your self-protective shield for a sacred moment Decades of stories-being-told poured into my lap Feeling victory, pain, agony Your body’s muscles holding your past protecting you so long A cry came from you to speak With angels present I could feel the melting of walls in your body You flowed into a new safe space It was my eyes that were awakened, listening Watching the shifts in your head and shoulders It wasn’t dandruff being shed But the stuff hidden from others For protection For safety For shame For deception of self and others Then the opening presented itself We were Present, Witnesses No grandiosity No bold pronouncements That place became a “Listening” Finally came “Understanding” In its good time, “Healing” When angels listened in the room Spread the word to family and friends, and if your company shops on Amazon consider using Amazon Smile and designating Samson House.