Testimonies

David started this ball rolling. He was the first to add his testimony here and challenged the rest of us to do the same. The idea being that we take turns each month. The one who offers the thoughts benefits from the exercise of ‘writing it out’ and the reader gets the opportunity to hear how God has transformed a man’s life. It’s a great idea.

When we lived in BC, I was asked to share my story at a Christian Businessmen’s Banquet. The organizers asked me to fill 45 minutes. 45 minutes! I can write and I can speak…but 45 minutes to say what’s on my mind is way too long.

I somehow managed to pull it off but left the meeting feeling like it must have been dreadfully dry and dull. When I think back on that event…and consider what to say here I am struck by the fact that most men are never invited to tell their story. Nobody asks to hear it. When has someone asked to hear your testimony?

What bugs me is that men are generally perceived to be not the ‘sharing’ kind. Consensus is that men do not want to share much of anything…maybe the odd power tool but heaven forbid a serious spiritual thought, question or response. I think that most guys are happy to be perceived in this light…wrong as it may be. Why is it easier and strangely more acceptable for a man to be a goof than a genius? Get too serious about life and you run the risk of being pegged a freak or a sap.

Regardless, I think that every man wants to tell his unique story in context. He needs to share his heart, he needs to be understood and he needs to know that he is accepted as-is. It may not pour out all at once but over the course of weeks or years. So long as it happens. With trust comes a confidence and openness to share. So, let’s start asking for more of the story.

“Father, thank you for the men this community of faith. Help us to share earnest support for each other by our actions; may we care enough to ask for more of the story, to listen intently and respond with the love of Christ. Amen.”