Message of Manhood from Nashville

I tend to stand alone in my world, as a Minnesotan who likes country music. But as I've tried to convince Aaron, Adam, Trent, and others, some country songs convey solid truths. I don't expect to win them over easily, but I want to share this one with readers. Hopefully you'll see why it is in line with the purpose of this blog.

Here is one comment:

Jack's back with a cool tune about what really makes a man. It's not the job, the car, the money nor a set of six pack abs, but how he comes through for those who depend on him, be it his family or his country.

That's a message that we need to hear, is it not? Hope you enjoy it.

More from NARTH: Bishop Schofield

Some of the NARTH speakers were really gripping. I really enjoyed the talk by Bishop John David Schofield. He discussed the journey of his (formerly) Episcopal diocese in Fresno into a new network of churches when the Episcopals strayed from the authority of scripture. He quoted this text to support and explain the move: (People will be) "lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God -- having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them. (2 Timothy 3:4-5)

He went on to describe the remarkable work of New Creation Ministries with the sexually broken in Fresno. Their major fund raising event was overwhelmed with QueerNation followers continually blowing whistles. It was deafening and disorienting, but the 600 attenders began praying and worshipping. Eventually, police arrived in riot gear to dispel the rebels. When all was said and done, the event yielded a tremendous offering, prompting the Bishop to jokingly ask the ministry director how much it cost to ship in the activists from San Francisco.

Finally, he shared some first-hand experience of California politics. At great cost, the Fresno mayor ("Bubba" from television, and I still don't know who that is) and a leading Pastor led the fight against the gay marriage amendment in Fresno, organizing a huge rally on the courthouse steps. Eventually, each needed police protection from, as the Bishop noted, a community that desires tolerance, acceptance and diversity.

NARTH Conference

The last time I would have been at this spot, it would have been to catch a plane on Concourse E. But Concourse E, along with the rest of Stapleton Airport met the wrecking ball years ago. In its place is a massive shopping area where I now sit processing the morning's teaching over some Chinese food.

I am back in my old home town for the NARTH conference. I just told someone that the morning session of the first day was worth the trip. The presenters were therapists from a leading clinic. I drank in the first several talks and had several "a-ha" moments along the way. Several of the points made resonated deeply with the conclusions I had come to but not crystalized into words.

What a great contribution these therapists are making. The men and women who receive their counsel are being given a great gift.

One of the concepts that I am chewing on is the therapist's attempt to identify feelings in the body. One speaker shed some light on it by explaining that men stuck in "shame" (Nicolosi's "gray zone") aren't feeling, so focusing on the body, where emotions have their physical expression helps them to identify what is going on in their soul.