I recently read a statement by a prolific author of Masonic content. John Nagy said “Ritual points the way, but it is not the way”. I believe the implication of that statement is that we have to do the work. Knowing what is “right” and applying the tenets of Masonry and morality to yourself are two entirely different things. We can’t just expect from others what we expect to see in the Fraternity. Rather, we need to lead others by example in order to improve the Fraternity across the board. No matter who you are, it starts with you. You need to apply the lessons in the ritual to the various aspects of your own life and make sure the success in doing so is obvious to everyone around you. In other words, “walk the walk”.
Recently (the past couple weeks), I’ve been blessed with seeing some really good examples in some of my Brethren. It has been very re-assuring and restored some needed faith in the Fraternity for me. If you have read my previous blog posts, you know that I’ve been struggling with where the Fraternity was going and where I was on my personal journey with it. So, if I’m going to be critical at times, then I also need to give credit when and where it is due. I’ll share some examples but then challenge you, as I have myself, to look for more examples as we proceed upon our respective individual travels. Just know that examples of applying lessons to the completion of your ashlar are not always obvious. If you want to see improvements, you have to be actually looking for the examples. You should also be willing to share your successes (and failures, if there are lessons to be gained), with others.
The first recent example for me was when a local Lodge leader reached out and ask to speak with me. From our discussion, it seemed that because of a recent experience he had with other Brethren, he had arrived at some realizations and explanations of events that he had not previously fully understood, or possibly even misjudged. The nature and details of the subject under scrutiny doesn’t really matter for the point of this blog posting. Suffice it to say, it regarded some events that had previously left me in a less than favorable light whereas recent events had somewhat vindicated me. I just wish that circumstances would have been such that he would have taken more initiative to understand the root problems sooner than later. Regardless, in time, he came through. Early in our discussion, I felt inclined to tell this Brother that he didn’t “owe” me anything but that I was glad he was seeing things for himself. He didn’t have to explain and certainly didn’t need to apologize for anything on his part. For that matter, he didn’t even have to call me and share recent events and epiphanies with me. But, he did! This, my friends, is an example of integrity. It showed me that he realized the importance of transparency, respect, and acknowledgement. He thought enough of me and our personal relationship to take the time, make the call, and have a real discussion. I also hope and do believe that he also knows the impact that building this type of rapport has on improving the health of the larger organization. In this particular case, I did agree with this Brother’s conclusions. But, the point I’m trying to make is that I appreciated having the discussion whether I agreed, or not. I appreciated the transparency of knowing exactly what my Brother thought and having a real discussion with him. Admittedly, I’m not sure if he took this initiative because of his current leadership role, or if this example of his character is what secured that role for him. But, it is certain that it is a trait that goes hand in hand with good leaderhip.
The next example I want to share involved a Brother that had apparently misjudged me based on assumptions and possibly even on some rumor or even innuendo. In short, I was guilty by association in his eyes. In this particular case, I had ran into this Brother on a few recent occasions and tried to be cordial. I had no animosity with him, from my perspective. But, it was obvious that he was very hesitant to engage with me. A few days after I last observed this behavior, I saw some posts by him on social media. I reacted to one of the posts and then sent him a private message offering assistance. Again, the actual topic and subject matter doesn’t matter for the point I’m trying to make. The response I got to the private message was very telling, though. This Brother was extremely transparent. He admitted that it took him some time to reply because of his hesitancy to do so. However, he wanted to know some answers for himself before choosing to have anything further to do with me. I am very glad that he did respond and I asked him to call me to discuss. He did take the opportunity to call and to ask some very necessary questions. Again, if you have followed any of my blogging, you will know that I feel very strongly about reaching out directly to an individual and working out any differences before talking “about” the person with whom you have contention. My only regret with this Brother was that he let so much time go before having the discussion and sharing his concerns with me. We lost a lot of time that we could have been there for each other had he asked his questions when they arose instead of letting his assumptions and the influence of others form his opinion(s). At any rate, we had a very good discussion. I answered what I was asked. I was honest and transparent, as was he. We seemed to have respected each other’s positions. I felt very good about having the opportunity. I thanked him for calling encouraged him to always initiate a discussion when concerned, whether that be with me or anyone else. I also told him how much I appreciated his willingness to have what some would consider a difficult discussion. Unfortunately, too many others will shy away and rely on second and third hand accounts on which to base conclusions. It is just a discussion. More harm can result from assuming and festering than will ever result from an honest discussion.
So, how do we apply these examples to the greater good? Well, again, start with yourselves. Practice the behaviors of the Brethren above in all of our interactions with others. Apply the ritual lessons to actual self-improvement and make it obvious. Do it early and often on any subject/topic and don’t be afraid to admit when you have epiphanies from what you learn. In the Fraternity, there are always going to be people with more experience or that have a different path they have traveled. Make sure you keep a rapport with them which will allow you to learn from their mistakes. But, also realize that there are also people that haven’t been working on their ashlar nearly as long. I assure you, those people are watching everything you do. When you call yourself a Brother, others are watching you for how a Brother should act. Do not underestimate that responsibility. Your actions will impact their development more than you will ever realize. Let them see your transparency, diligence, and humbleness in seeking truth as well as in realizing life lessons. Don’t let pride nor lack of confidence keep you from working on your own journey and letting that light the way for others to follow.
Until next time and more experiences to journal.
Your Brother!
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