Grace Crossing Samson Group Reunion

Last night, I once again made that half hour trek to Canton in anticipation of attending the Grace Crossing Samson Society meeting.  I did so, having been prompted by Mr. Aaron Porter early last week, in light of his weeklong visit to "Samson Mississippi" (please note my previous post therein).  Therefore, just a few minutes post arrival at this beautiful suburban church, The Man arrived, and from there, we made our way towards the rear of the church campus excitedly.

Grace Crossing has expanded considerably since my last visit, having added a sizable children's ministry wing.  I was able to recall that they were just beginning to interview architects for this addition around the time of my last visit.  Nonetheless, whomever designed it, I was impressed with how seamlessly it complements the initial build.

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Mr. Joe McCalman (Grace Crossing Samson meeting facilitator) is a NOLA native.  As such, he's passionate all around, but especially so regarding Grace Crossing church, his family and recovery in general.  Samson Society is so fortunate to have Joe align with all our values, as his passion represents our community very, very well.  I liken it to Mr. Justin Schwind's passion (for those of you that know Justin) just in a more Cajun-style package!

And speaking of Cajun-style, one can't mention this in-person Samson meeting without emphasizing the importance of the after-meeting (typically a restaurant in Madison).  Mr. Joe McCalman is a foodie (both personally & vocationally), and man oh man, does this group ever eat well.   

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What I love the most about this meeting is how laid back it is in light of its calendared position.  There's just something easy about starting one's week off with a Samson meeting, and Sunday at 6 PM qualifies therein.

Be encouraged, my friends, to give this longstanding (since '15 or '16) in-person Samson Society meeting a shot.  You'll be glad you did.

Recommended Reading

Sports Betting Isn’t Worth the Risk for College Men. Valor Is.

I Can Relate To Your (Patriarchal) Familial Imbalance. It Sucks For You, But It's Life As You've Always Known It. Endure.

What if your dad isn't at all like the man you've become (as a middle-aged adult)?  Let me be more specific.  What if he isn't (wasn't ever) capable (intelligence, personality, interests, motivation, etc.) of becoming the man you've become (as son, friend, businessman, leader, volunteer, etc.)?  As such, all-in-all, let's assume he's honest and loyal to a fault, trustworthy and generally kindhearted as it relates to how he carries himself / engages with others.

Firstly, if this scenario represents - even in the slightest regard - your reality, there's a chance your father is going to see you - at times and within certain scenarios - in a paradoxically pejorative light.  At least to some degree.  Especially if you're his only son.  And this has everything to do with how you - at times - make him feel. 

Now why is this?  What fuels it?

1.  Competitive outlook that's baked into many men.  Especially Type A men (which your dad likely is).  

2.  Your very existence (especially if you've telegraphed - to any degree - your being cognizant of this imbalance).

3.  Men crave respect moreso than anything else.  It's why the massive Ford F-150 has and continues to be America's #1 in vehicle sales each year.  Can there be no greater disrespect than having a son who existentially contrasts so sharply with his father in light of his own (possible) insecurities surrounding his capabilities, drive, intelligence, creativity?

All in all, if this kind of bizarre hierarchal imbalance exists between you and your father, and you sense at times that he feels (almost or very much) threatened by you, I cannot emphasize enough the following:

Your FEAR of him, specifically his testy, indecisively (discriminately) temperamental persona is a massive waste of your time / energy.  For that testy, indecisively temperamental persona can't truly hurt you (despite its scariness) though your boyhood self would argue otherwise.  

To that end, it might have especially frightened you when you were a boy / young man, and that's understandable.  Perhaps when you absolutely needed stable love and support.  

But you're not a boy anymore.

You're a grown ass man.  Remember that.

Oh, and one last thing.

Unless your father happens to be mentally ill or intrinsically cruel, he's no doubt very proud of you and your accomplishments as his son, a solid friend, successful businessman, natural leader, steadfast volunteer, etc.   

Recommended Reading

Back When We Had Friends: Why Brothers Still Need Brothers | Desiring God

Recommended Reading

Distinguishing Shame from Guilt | Desiring God

Recommended Reading

Good News! God Hates Sin.

Aaron Porter To Visit Mississippi!

Mr. Aaron Porter (Pirate Monk podcast cohost) will be visiting Mississippi during the week of April 6th.  I'm slated to accompany him to the Grace Crossing in-person Samson meeting on Sunday, (4/6), and schedule permitting, my hope is he'll attend other in-person Jackson, Mississippi Samson groups in kind (while he's here).

Aaron took on a part-time administrative position at Samson House (the nonprofit that underwrites the Samson Society) earlier this year, therefore this trip is in line with those new responsibilities.

For as long as I've been involved in Samson Society (since August '14), Mr. Aaron Porter has thankfully been present.  He's invested countless hours of volunteer time into this men's ministry both via the podcast as well as annual (Samson Summit) / regional retreats ("48 Hours of Frankness").  Aaron is one of the most affable Samson guys I know.  As such, if you have the opportunity to rub shoulders with him next week, you'll not regret it. 

In closing, in the early days (Samson Society), Aaron even worked diligently to star in a film short promoting our communal cause (it unfortunately never got off the ground).

Whilst speaking with Aaron this AM, he touched on all the positive energy / momentum within our community.  Energy that's being focused on tech upgrades (Samson Society website / app), optimization of intensive retreats (including a reduction in costs), building bridges between in-person & virtual Samson community, and on and on.

I'm so fortunate to know Mr. Aaron Porter.  We're privileged to have him visit the Magnolia State next week.