GATHERING
“Regularly look for support and accountability with other serious brothers”
“Do not absent yourself from the gatherings of the brethren” – Hebrews 10:25
In June I drove to Sandstone, MN to be part of the initiation ceremony of the Men’s Rites of Passage. There were more than thirty of us “initiated men” who came together in support of those being newly initiated. Six years previously I was making my rites in this very setting. Then and now I had the feeling of being part of something much bigger than me, a sense of belonging to the universal spirit of man that is lived through each of us. Earlier in the day the returning initiates gathered for re-connecting. We drummed and we voiced our fears, joys, sorrows, anger and shame to one another. We didn’t talk back, we didn’t judge. We simply listened.
Bill told us about his upcoming heart surgery. He spoke with confidence about the surgeon and the procedure he was to perform. Bill was certain that everything would be fine and that there was nothing to fear. But suddenly he couldn’t continue. As he realized the magnitude of what was upon him he sat quietly and wept. We sat with him and some of us wept too. There was nothing we could do for Bill except to be there. And that was enough.
I was especially touched by the tenderness of Bill’s sharing. In those moments of silence he faced death and he was afraid. And consequently each of us, along with Bill, faced death and our own fear of dying. The one consolation we shared was that we were not alone. We were facing our fears together. And all was well.
I carried Bill in my heart for the weeks leading up to his surgery. I was particularly mindful of him on the date of his surgery. I haven’t had contact with Bill to know how he is doing. I don’t know if I’ll ever see him again. But I know that I am transformed through the practice of sitting in the company of men gathered together in time and space. And for this I am grateful.
– David Wenger
Are you on the Journey of Illumination? If so, please send us your experience with one of the five steps. Men sharing their success or struggles along these five steps will encourage and strengthen each of us. Send a short 100 word (more or less) paragraph to Jamey to include in a future newsletter. Your willingness to share and encourage can bless others.
