"CONFLICT & STRUGGLE BUILD STRONG MEN" Man Cave Session #3
"Hard times are just footsteps on the mountains of life.
You will grow stronger - one step at a time."
"He gives me new strength." Psalm 23:3 ICB
All new beginnings will have conflict. We teach men how to embrace conflict as a means of becoming stronger. We use a textbook call "Strong Men Great Dads" as well as true stories of folks who've been heroes. Some of them lived to tell about their mighty deeds and some did not.
Finding strength in God is a privilege shared by men and women. Session #3 began with a story abut Joan of Arc. She was an illiterate teenager who lead France to several victories over the English Army. Her leadership is credited with breaking the air of superiority held by England over France.
What did young Joan receive for her acts of heroism in following God's will? She captured and put on trial by church folks. Accused of many crimes and found guilty, this hero was sentenced to execution by burning. Overcoming hardship and struggle does not always look pretty.
Several other stories were used during our discussion on resiliency. Too often we get stuck in bad baits or abusive situation because we fear the steps required to change our lives. Like a mouse caught in a humane mouse trap, the mouse will not leave its trap when the door is opened. It cowers in the back of the trap just inches from freedom. The mouse only leaves when it is forced to leave.
Change is hard, especially when it involves conflict. We shared Bible stories about David (another teenager) defeating a giant when others ran. We shared from Luke 5:1-5 where Peter is told by Jesus to cast his nets out into the deep, even after he ahd fished all night and caught nothing. Resiliency tries again and again.
Our lead in story in the textbook was a true story about a young boy whose Dad was in jail. He made up fantasies about the Dad he wanted to have. All children want adad who loves them and they can tell stories about Dad being a hero.
It's wise to make a list of the habits that we've picked up from our Dads. Some of those habits should not be repeated. Being a strong an and a great dad takes effort and teachability.
We're excited about this week as some of the Man Cave guys from the Sunshine Rescue Mission will leave the Cave for Community Engagement. We'll be doing some service work for the NAOMI House.
Please contact us if you have any questions about Man Cave. Thanks for your time. Go do something nice for somebody. Jesus loves you and so do we.
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