Category: Basic Training

Missing My GodBuddy

April 1, 2024 2 Comments

Today is the 10th anniversary of the unexpected passing of one of my earliest GodBuddies, Christopher J. Davolos, who died on April 1, 2014, after exercising during his lunch break at work. Chris’ influence on me and his friendship embodied the GodBuddy concept, which is why my website is dedicated to Chris. I honor his wife, Kathy, and their children, Maggie and Ben with this repost knowing a different piece is still missing for each of us without Chris around. The Friendships Every Guy Needs In Three Relationships Every Man Needs, I suggested every man needs a Paul (mentor), a Barnabas (peer), and a Timothy (protege) in their life. Barnabas and Paul became close friends as they traveled together on the first of Paul’s three missionary journeys. Nicknamed “Son of Encouragement” and “Son of Exhortation” (see Acts 4:36) Barnabas was at Paul’s side during his best times and also his

Rich’s C21 Magazine Article

March 26, 2024 No Comments

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

Reflections on 5 Years of GodBuddies

January 8, 2024 2 Comments

As I look back on the last 5-years of writing about why men need deeper, more authentic friendships, I realize it’s been quite the journey to raise awareness of GodBuddies; my theory about male friendships who help each other become more godly men. In this first post of the new year, I will briefly recap the topics covered by nearly 240 posts these last 5 years. I won’t describe every post, but summarize the main topics with links to highlights of the key points, year by year. I’d also kindly ask for your input to help me shape the future of this blog. First, I want to say THANK YOU for following along with me over the years. Whether you are a long-time reader or just discovering this blog, I’m encouraged by the comments (both good and bad). Please keep them coming! They help ensure I provide content that is valuable