"The No Bull Briefing" - August 2023

 

THE NO BULL BRIEFING - August 2023

Discover New Brothers at the Samson Summit In honor of our tenth national retreat, Samson is throwing a Texas-sized party! Join us the first weekend in November for our annual retreat, featuring The Place We Find Ourselves podcast host Adam Young. When: November 3-5, 2023 Where: Sky Ranch in Van, Texas Bunkhouse spots are $350 Down time activities include a high ropes course, mini golf, climbing walls, zip lines, sand volleyball, indoor or outdoor basketball, ping pong, and so much more! There will be opportunities for any person to engage in fellowship and deepen friendships with fellow Samson brothers during the weekend. Plus, there will be the always loved authentic conversations around a campfire.  REGISTER Join Nate at the Pure Desires Summit The recovery and healing journey is motivated by something deep within us. Maybe it was a secret we’ve held or the broken heart of being betrayed. It could even be the heavy burden of shame that addiction or betrayal carry. Not only is the human heart central to our bodies and survival, but in many ways, it plays the same role in our healing and recovery. Scripture tells us, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Healing the heart from the effects of sexual brokenness and betrayal trauma is essential to this journey—because the hope of healing comes from the heart. Your heart is one of the most important parts of who you are—it contains your true authentic self, your deepest emotions, and the essence of who God created you to be. LEARN MORE Mourning the Passing of a Samson Brother Stephen Bertram Lisle of Franklin, Tennessee, passed away on August 11, 2023, at the age of 58. Stephen, a Texan through and through, was born in Lufkin, Texas, about three hours from Dallas, home of his beloved Cowboys. He grew up idolizing legends like Coach Tom Landry and quarterback Roger Staubach, and was never happier than when the Cowboys won. Tragedy struck when Stephen’s parents, Bertram Ira Lisle and Charlsie Rice Lisle, were killed in a plane crash in 1984, just shy of Stephen’s 20th birthday. Stephen went on to earn a BS in Business Administration from LaSalle University in 1998. He had a widely varied career, mostly in technology, and most recently as a Voice and Security Architect with Huntington Ingalls Industries. Stephen and ex-wife Pamela raised two beautiful daughters, Emily and Caroline, now young adults. He loved traveling, especially with his family, and had a keen eye for finding fine restaurants and great food. He also loved music and movies. He had a heart for social justice ad particularly with men struggling with addiction; in recent years, he often shared his home with them. Stephen recently joined his friend and mentor, Bill Rapier, on a mission trip to Africa, where he served with African Leadership Development. Stephen is survived by daughters Emily Melissa Lisle and Caroline Alyssa Lisle; sisters Laurie Lisle-Ritschl and Linda Lisle-Elento (Wendell); eight nephews; and one niece. Subscribe to Samson House Samson House is now offering a low-cost subscription to all members of the Samson Society. This subscription is not mandatory. As you know, there are no dues or fees for Samson Society membership. Samson meetings — online meetings as well as local ones  —  will always be free.  We are asking ALL current members to subscribe to SamsonHouse.org (use password NoBullBrotherhood to access this website) at the modest monthly rate of $7.95. We will be grateful if you can commit more, of course, and whatever you contribute above the small monthly subscription amount will be fully tax-deductible. JOIN SAMSON HOUSE Regional Retreat Opportunities Planning a regional Samson retreat? Let us know at samsonhouseoffice@gmail.com or drop it on the #upcoming_event channel on Slack so we can help you spread the word! Monthly Resource Corner Each month, Samson Society will promote a resource that you may find helpful on your journey. Feel free to share any podcast episodes, blog posts, books, or documentaries that you find enlightening!  The Pause App A simple way to connect with God in the middle of your busy day from John Eldredge, the New York Times Best Selling Author of Wild at Heart and Captivating.  Based on the One Minute Pause chapter of his new books “Get Your Life Back” and “Resilient”, this app invites you into the simple practice of releasing everything to God, restoring your union with God and inviting him to fill you. LEARN MORE Connect with us on social media! DONATE

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Recommended Reading

The Story of an Unjustly Overlooked American World War II Hero | Time

Recommended Reading

The FAQs: What You Should Know About Suicide in America (thegospelcoalition.org)

"Dare To Live!" - JR Everhart

I was experiencing some quiet time with the Lord this morning, and he challenged me with this:  ”I dare you to live above your fear, to run free and confident inside my mercy and grace.  I dare you to believe that you are worthy to be known and loved just the way you are.  To step off the pathway of guilt and shame and onto the narrow trail of joy and laughter.  I dare you to walk outside your world of isolation, and be courageous enough to meet new people, believing that healthy connection is possible with others.  I dare you to live your life fully in spite of the two-faced wolves in sheep’s clothing.  I dare you to trust in my plan for your life, trusting me to shield you and protect you from the fiery darts of the enemy.  I dare you to love others in spite of their brokenness, never letting their bitterness sway you in anyway.  As such, staying true to the path I’ve laid before you, only believing this one simple truth:  'I've got you!'  I dare you to use the gifts and talents I’ve placed in you to blaze a trail of light into the dark forest of this world, knowing that I have important work for you.  I dare you to believe in my strength even when you feel weak, confident that I am with you always.  Trusting that nothing can rob you from my hands; you are mine and as your father, I will never leave or forsake you.  You are never alone or separate from me.  Even in your deepest times of doubt and struggle, I see the intentions of your heart.  Dare to believe I love you as much in those perilous moments than in the glorious moments of my anointing flowing through you in ministry.  YOU ARE WORTHY!  My son gave his life for this very moment in your story.  Soar, alive in me and free from the evil of this world.  Yes, hard times will come, and suffering is part of the human experience, but dare to believe that I have prepared a place for you in heaven where there is no sickness or disappointment.  Where you will live in the warm glow of my love for you forever!” 

Needless to say, I’m speechless and will spend weeks unpacking all this.  Trust is hard for me, but I’m going to choose to believe this with everything in me.  I think it’s natural to feel unworthy of such kind words, but we serve a kind and gentle Father in heaven.  To God be all the glory!!! Amen…🙌🏻

Recommended Listening (Augustine Would Have Been A Fine Samson Brother)

Walking from Lust to Grace | Augustine and Sovereign Joy | Light + Truth | Desiring God

"I Found Jesus In Prison..." Ethan #8

"For it is true, we can seldom help those closest to us. Either we don't know what part of ourselves to give or, more often than not, the part we have to give is not wanted.  And so, it's those we live with and should know who elude us. But we can still love them - we can love them completely without completely understanding."

 

Norman Maclean ~ A River Runs Through It