I’m excited to hit a new milestone in my emerging writing career. I probably should have posted earlier that my article about the friendship between President Ronald Reagan and Tip O’Neil appeared in C21 Resources, a magazine from Boston College. It’s a humbling accomplishment to get published by this prestigious university.
Last summer, C21’s managing editor contacted me to get permission to use my article, Ronald Reagan and Tip O’Neil: A Real Life Friendship. The article described how Reagan and O’Neill, the Speaker of the House of Representatives from 1977-1987 and alumnus of Boston College, were on different ends of the political spectrum but could work together for the common good. The editor wanted to use the article for an upcoming issue about how the light of our faith can guide us away from the darkness of polarization in our world. The article appeared in the digital edition and printed copies of the university’s magazine for the Church in the 21st Century.
My original article was part of a series, New Year; New Types of Friends that challenged men to reflect on their friendships. It included several examples of great (and some not-so-great) friendships in politics, sports, TV, movies, literature, and music. The series challenged me to find commonalities between several historical and fictional people. It also required me to explain how faith and friendships apply to real life, regardless of one’s beliefs.
No one will mistake me with Stephen King, Mark Twain, or Charles Dickens but I’m honored to be called an author. I am not a trained writer or an English major. I’m a terrible proofreader. The red ink throughout my memos early in my business career still haunts me. My 25-year-old self would laugh if you said he would someday lead a men’s Bible study. He would never consider public speaking or preaching a sermon. He would never believe he could publish a book.
But the “older me” continues to learn how to become a better writer and a better man. He also has an inner circle of godly friends who encourage and support him.
So what is the wisdom for men from this post?
I’m still blown away by how my GodBuddies concept resonates with people. I’ve connected with the right people at the right time to talk about the crisis of male friendships. In fact, last weekend, I also had conversations with two other churches interested in having me speak about the need for deeper, more authentic friendships. It’s amazing when these opportunities pop up unexpectedly.
The most important lesson is that God works in unexpected ways. He uses very ordinary people (like me) in very unexpected ways. He will open doors for you too when you least expect it. All you have to do is be available and trust that God’s plan is better than your plan.
Wisdom for Men is my opinion on topics that help men become better. The sources used may not be fact-checked but support the theory that men need deeper, more authentic friendships. My GodBuddy concept is based on biblical principles but applies to all men, regardless of their beliefs. I believe the world needs better men and better friendships will help solve the crisis of male friendship. It also needs more men who desire to be more like Jesus, the ultimate role model for all of mankind.
[Feature Image of printed copies courtesy of Boston College’s C21 Resources magazine]
