Groundbreaking? Heartfelt? Cool? Vulnerable? Challenging? Real? Camaraderie? Lasting? Just a few ways to describe a men's bible study I just completed over the last 14 Sundays. Also, zero words I would have used to describe what all of us in the Noblemen study were trying to find or connect with prior to signing up for this journey. We learned that other men have been begging to join or create a real, honest, non-judgmental space at church or with other men in general to no avail. Thankfully, Jesus heard our prayers and brought all 20 of us together. Not only are we better husbands and fathers, we are better men due to finding our whole identity in Christ Jesus and connecting with other men who want to be vulnerable, open, and unafraid about any issue in our life. Our exact motto is "Do it Scared!" What started with 24 college men on a single campus has since grown into a brotherhood of thousands of men throughout the world, with courses now offered for youth, college students, and adults of any age. Our goal remains the same though, to connect men to a workable pathway towards holistically growing in Biblical manhood. The course helps to identify blind spots while offering guidance. Friendships is our greatest assets in developing as strong and courageous men. Through each Noblemen Group, men get the chance to link arms with brothers and develop lifelong, authentic relationships by intentionally choosing friendship over isolation, vulnerability over hiddenness, and impact over apathy. Men go through rigorous biblical course work and team building challenges to learn the tools and practical experience that will get them on their way to becoming disciple makers. No man impacts the world by accident. Likewise, intimacy with God is not something a man simply stumbles upon. Both influence and holiness must be cultivated day in and day out. Noblemen Groups are meant for men who are tired of mediocrity and are not afraid of being challenged. Joining a group means committing to 14 weeks with regular assignments and weekly meetings averaging 3-5 hours per week. Influence and holiness require dedication and this was a groundbreaking group. The results are not just about me but the perspective of how it changed all of us and what we will do moving forward. Most of all it was a launching pad to new fruit, exciting adventures, and further brotherhood.
1. It should be illegal for an I to look like a lowercase L. – Twin 5-year-olds!!
2. Twins at the dinner table: Get thee hence, Father. This bottle of filtered water from the ewer of Brita displeaseth us!! Take it from my presence!
Twins in the bathtub: Ah, sweet nectar of the gods, tap water steeped in soapy buttocks, cupped in a dinosaur cup!!
3. Nothing prepares you for that first time twins ask for a Stanley cup as their birthday looms. Come on Canes!!
4. Best thing about the school year ending is the perpetual theme days. PJ DAY! Crazy Hair Day! Mismatch Day! Twin Day- that one is easily covered!! BE A FERRET DAY!! What?? Seriously?? What?? Do other households have some random ferret costume packed away??
5. Told a twin with a slight allergy cough he should gargle with warm salt water to help. He looked at me & said, "I'm NOT going all the way to the ocean right now!!”
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