A Few Good Men

I've joined a men's group recently. We meet once a week to discuss various topics, but most importantly to learn and teach one another about integrity. Integrity is a bigger word than you might imagine.

Now before your mind puts up a flag about 'Promise Keepers,' we'll "discuss."

First off, the basis for Promise Keepers (and the group I'm in is not part of PK) is that men need to take responsibility for themselves and their family. That means being there for the family. No porn. No thinking about other women in that way. No doing to other women what should be only done with your wife. Basic good common sense. Yes?

So here's our group. D is a pastor who specializes in families, especially those with young children (or grandchildren for that matter). D leads with group with the help of A. A is a janitor/basketball referee and is finally back together after about a year's separation from his wife. She was sick and tired of his addiction to internet porn, FYI. He hasn't used a computer in over 9 months. D & A are both in their mid-40s. D has 4 children, 2 under the age of 10, and 2 in senior high. A has 3 boys one in junior high, one in senior high and one in his second year of university. V is a 50ish father of 3. One in second year of college, one a year out of high school, and a son in senior high. V's biggest concerns were internet porn (it's like an epidemic) and thoughts that his son may be gay. J is in his 70s and I won't go into detail about all his kids & grandkids. There's a bunch, trust me. J does have one daughter whom he hasn't seen or spoken to in about 20 years and it's upsetting him. J used to do a lot of work with a disaster relief organization and has travelled the world assisting in rebuilding after disasters. He's been to Asia to help after earthquakes and floods. He's been to the southern states to rebuild homes flattened by tornadoes and hurricanes. He's been to California and Australia to rebuild homes after wildfires. He's the type of guy who you can call for help with anything electrical and he'll be over right away and inspect the entire house to see if there's anything he can fix while he's there. All he asks for is a cup of coffee for his work. G is a police officer who recently moved back to the area. He has family here as does his wife, so the opportunity to come back here and work was grabbed. He's in his 40s and has one married son and one son in senior high. His goal is to be a good example for those he works with and those he serves on a daily basis. T is a Vietnam vet and is desperately waiting a kidney transplant. He has 2 kids a little younger than me.

And then there's me. Early 30s with 2 very young children. I'm looking for support when I need the patience to "deal with" my kids. Some days, like today, are very difficult. And to hear stories from these men really does help. I'm glad they're around for me and I'm glad to be there for them too.