COP: Hillbilly Walkers(20x), Imperial Walkers (15x), 1 min of 7 burpees and 33 SSH, 3x
Mosey to the band’s practice parking lot
Jack Webb Style with Crackin Burpees for the 1 and Bobby Hurley for the 4 with 3-4 partners for encouragement
Bomb Jacks (100x), Overhead Claps (200x), Merkins (100x), Big Boy Sit Ups (100x), Squats (200x)
Moleskin:
On this glorious day, we followed our own advice of not “going it alone.” So we decided to lock shields to celebrate the 40th birthday of two Geminis that were born two days apart. We are humbled and honored by the love and support of our F3 brothers for our birthday bash. We can’t thank you enough.
As we turn 40 years old, we understand that we are progressing into the next season of life. Age 0 to 20 is the spring season where we identify who we are. Age 20 to 40 is the summer season where we learn and grow. Age 40 to 60 is the fall season where we influence others. Age 60+ is the winter season where we share wisdom with others.
What season of life are you in? Own it. Celebrate life and your season daily.
We had a hearty crew Saturday morning. Lots of chatter in the Twittersvere for Tesh?Jekyll Q drawing Pax from across the river and inspiring Fishsticks to bring a #kotter and an #FNG. Well done!
HIIT:
Disclaimer then we took off for a lap ’round Runde stopping for a brief painstation to let Dolly Dogwalker go by. Must be crazy to have 14 men run up on you so we gave some space. Pouring into the field at the open gate we started with a circle of pain and the usual suspects of exercises in cadence. Feeling the need to keep up my portion of the HIIT on the line we went for sprint run and and nur (backward run). 70%, 80%, 90%,100%.
Moved to the next field and put partner 1 on the line and partner 2 on the wall.
P1: Bearcrawl to second base run to baseball fence, hop the fence then run up hill to finish with 5 bombjacks. Down the hill, hop the fence, AYG back to line.
P2: Round the world squat jumps.
Repeat 3 times with P2 doing Carolina Dry Docks then Wall sits.
Hand off to Tesh for Strength.
First exercise was to max out our push pull muscles.
Pulling is first. Circle up shoulder to shoulder. Every other man does an about face and puts his 6 on the ground so that his shoulders are between two PAXs feet. The standing PAX now reach down as if they are going to help a brother up, but instead, we are going to use this as a no-equipment upright row.
All PAX lift up on the Q’s command and let down on command. Q does this until he sees around half the PAX struggling to lift. Swap positions and repeat. (This may sound like a rest for the guys laying down being lifted, but you still have to keep most everything engaged so it’s not. It’s more of an isometric hold)
Pushing is next. You can’t do much better than the merkin. But i wanted low rep, higher volume. So to achieve this, the sprinkler head merkin puts more load on one arm. (It’s a typewriter merkin without swaping sides.) So one are goes out wide and stays straight wile the other does all the pushing (4 count to 3 both sides). Then regular merkins (4 count to 10).
Do this superset 3 times. (I modified the pushups for some other challenges, but you’ll have to ask someone that was there… blame Walker.)
Next were some grip strength, because I think almost every man lacks in this department (it’s hard to train and doesn’t give you anything sexy to show off). Mosey to the playground for deadhangs. Split into two groups, one does peoples chair / Al Gore while the other group deadhangs. Four rounds of 1 min.
Mosey to parking lot for Lt Dan. I always associate this exercise with Jekyll for some reason, and he didn’t do it so I felt obligated. And it’s a great exercise. Dry dock/merkin breaks after rounds 5, 7 and 9.
And finally American Hammers till time.
NMM-
Great to have Bon Jovi who is back after a couple of years and hinted at a name change. During the course of the workout his options became clear and ultimately stayed with Bon Jovi. smart move.
Welcome Paper Jam from Rochester New York home of Xerox. Today is but your first day!
Lets just put this out there. I was HURTIN. The Murph did me in like no one’s business. Shoulders, arms, no extension. The bed was calling. Obligation as a PAX and as a site Q made my decision for me. Have to do the hard thing. Reborn has been on schedule for months and I got a call at 4:30 saying his tire had blown. No problem.
Pulling into The Coloseeum there were already a large group of men gathering waiting. With nothing prepared, I decided shared leadership was the key today.
Maximus: COP
Jekyll: 16s on the track. Carolina Dry Docks and Jumping Lunges at each corner of track. 15/1, 14/2, 13/3….1/15.
Dungaree: Wall Muscle ups, BTTW
MacGuyver: Wall sits into merkins back into Wall sits (#crowdpleaser)
Gekko: Street lights. AYG to next to pole 2, mosey to pole 3, AYG to pole 4. repeato until 10th pole
Walker: Cant remember but probably Merkins
Jekyll: Mary
all were completely smoked. Always great to have the high energy and expectation from Walker. He really drives me to be better and do better. Unwavering principled man.
We finished up and met up with Ruckers and Pathfinders.
I put the pre-blast out a few days ago saying this edition of Slow Burn would be a bit different. No speed work this time, it’s all about good form and controlling the core. The core is essential to balance, stability and strength. You don’t need to do 1000 LBC’s, its different than that. We welcomed a man that was an FNG but is now known as Body Glove (San Diego transplant) which is an EH from Router. We disclaimed and explained F3 then got into why today would be different.
So, why does the title include “belly button.” Here’s why…
Not worried about speed today because for today’s workout, if you go fast you’re likely doing it wrong. We’re going to focus on form and the education of good (or better) form.
A (long) statement on the importance of your CORE. Using F3’s 5 CORE principles as a foundation for the importance of a strong core, I explained the benefits of having a strong(er) physical core.
Warm Up jog to the long wall on the opposite side of Lowe’s and create some space between you and your chair-sitting neighbor. The explanation of “Tighten Your Core” is to try to move your belly button back to your spine while tucking it down into your pelvis. If you’re not used to this, it feels unnatural until your core strengthens then you realize the stability and strength benefits. So whenever we’d say Core or Tighten Your Core or Tighten Up, this is what we’re meaning…Tuck It In.
While TIGHT and in the people’s chair, we did Overhead Claps
Then fall forward into a plank with your hands on the parking space stops for Slow Mountain Climbers aiming to get your knees up to your elbows.
Back to sitting against the wall and doing Moroccan Night Clubs.
Back to the Slow Mountain Climbers.
Run to the car mechanic’s lot for a little more core/form explanation and having Walker in attendance was awesome. Talk about applicable Pro-Tips, he nailed it.
COP for 12ct exercises: 4 down, 4 hold at the bottom, 4 up
12ct Merkins, 12ct Planking Calf Raise (4 up to toes extended, 4 squeeze in that position, 4 coming back to starting position), 12ct Sumo Squats
Mak Tar Jah’s
Peter Parkers (slow, knees up as far as you can)
J-Lo’s
Parker Peters (slow, knees as close to opposite elbow as you can)
8ct Burpees: My biggest learning of the day was that for a true burpee, you squat down first then pop into the plank. Don’t bend at the waist and essentially fall down to the plank. Look out for my next Q for a lesson on this…thank you Walker.
Minnesota Mike Tysons: Why Minnesota? No good reason other than that is what they called them in MN when I was there earlier this week. Explanation, get in a plank with your toes on the ground and the soles of your feet against a curb or wall (curb in our case today). Squat back against the curb like you’re getting ready to shoot out of a cannon, return back to the plank position, then perform a controlled merkin. That is 1.
A few slow lunges…COT.
Be intentional on your form, don’t go through the motions. You’re only hurting yourself and those around you. Welcome Body Glove!! Thanks Hootie.
It was an honor to travel across the River on this cool Spring gloom with Italian Job and Canseco to join up with 9 of our Fort and Rock Region brothers on the day before Easter. Thank you Bonsai and the rest of our brothers for the opportunity to lead this morning.
As Italian Job, Canseco and YHC discussed this workout the previous week, we decided that it would definitely be split into three equal time periods with each of us focusing on different body groups. Italian Job began with the F3 Disclaimer and welcome to all:
WARMUP
There was no Warm-Up
THETHANG
Italian Job moved right into working the upper body. This is what was done:
10 Burpees (OYO); 5 Plank Destroyers (Plank, Makhtar D’Diaye, Merkin, Alternating Shoulder Tap, Plank Jack); 20 MNCs (IC); 10 Merkins (IC); 20 Little Baby Arm Circles (IC); 10 Wide Arm Merkins (IC); 20 Overhead Claps (IC); 60 Seconds Arm Circles in Plank; Mosey to Springs or Playground; 20 Irkins; 20 Dips; 20 Derkins; Mosey; 10 Wide-Diamond-Wide (OYO); Mosey; Merkin Ring of Fire (10 rounds).
After he finished, the Q Stick was handed off to YHC for the lower body portion performing each of the following exercises for 50-seconds and resting for 10:
Squat + Calf Raises; Squat Jacks; Mosey; Alternating Hamstring Reaches; Broad Jump w/Back Pedal; Mosey; Left Lateral Lung; Right Lateral Lung; Squat Tap-Outs; Mosey; Left Leg Lunge; Right Leg Lunge; Mosey; Step Ups; Squat & Squat Jumps.
Then YHC passed off the lead to Canseco for some Core & Cardio and an awesome work below in the NMM. This is what he led us in:
YHC planned to use the steep portion of the running path for sets of core exercises with a jailbreak between. We did 2 to 3 exercises for each set and started at the bottom of the hill.
We did the following with a jailbreak between sets.
All In Cadence:
30 Imperial Walkers; 50 Flutters; Jailbreak
20 Mtn Climbers; 20 Freddy Mercurys; Jailbreak
20 American Hammers; 30 Pretzel Crunches (15 each Side); 10 Makhtar N’Diayes; Jailbreak back to top
20 LBC’s ; 10 Delayed LBC’s; Plank w/6 Inches and Up x2
Mosey to COT where IJ led us in another 10-Burpees for fun
Great work was put in by all PaX in attendance. Thank you again for allowing us to lead.
NMM
Canseco shared his heart this morning. Below is what he discussed:
The sun came through the clouds and shined directly on us during Reborn’s leg workout. We were at the top of the Walter Elisha Park looking out and for a few moments everyone was quiet. I had something to share with the PAX and in that moment this capped it off.
I have been reading through the gospels the last couple weeks and wanted to share something that has been stirring in me. So, as we know its Saturday before Easter and Jesus has been crucified and placed in a tomb. On this day thousands of years ago there were all kinds of emotions for those who were near to Jesus.
Those near to him who followed and loved him were doubtful, confused, and didn’t know what would happen next. The Pharisees and scribes still saw Jesus as a threat to their own Kingdom and world and placed guards at the tomb. I find this interesting as he is dead yet they didn’t believe?
I shared Matthew chapter 21 with the PAX when Jesus curses the fig tree that didn’t have any fruit. Jesus disciples said how can it wither instantly? Jesus answered, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, Be taken up and thrown into the sea, it will happen.” 22 And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” Jesus was preparing them to believe and have faith during the darkest and most doubtful times to come.
We know what happened next. We have record and an account of the resurrection. But we still have to figure out what we are going to do with Jesus?
Is Jesus threatening your Kingdom, life, and world. Are you keeping him at distance and putting HIM away somewhere so as to hide?
Or, are you believing on His life, death, and resurrection as sufficient for your sins and eternity with HIM. You can’t hide from the light!!!
My prayer for the PAX was that just as the sun rose before our eyes this morning that the Son of Man would rise in each of our hearts this day, tomorrow, and forever.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
April 3rd F Theme-Be Still.
Summer Lawn Service at the Care Center-Sign up now.
Manion WOD-April 27-See Cobra Kai.
Date Night-April 27-Contact Wegmans.
PRAYERS/PRAISES
Prayers and praises were mentioned and Italian Job
Perfect Gloom morning for a great beatdown at The Colosseum. Rock Hill region looks to be partnering with The Fort this month by crossing the river. Welcome back Reborn and Walker.
Disclaimer disclaimed and off we went.
Couple of laps around the car line with shuffles, kareoke and power skips (you’re welcome WWL) before settling in to COP. SSH, low slow squats, Moroccan Night clubs and some plank.
Bottom of the hill we had 11’s with Merkins at bottom and squats at top. Backward run up hill. Walker, the 57 year old phenom with guns of steel, probably buns too was out front and getting pushed hard from Funhouse. AYE!
Quick word on Mammon- A man’s work is essential. It allows him to be a contributing member of society(not a burden) and provide for his family. However, in our relationship proximity, it is our least important. Be mindfull when work creeps toward your bullseye supplanting, whetsone, shieldlock, shorties and M relationships. Work is what you do, not who you are.
Anchorman took over for YHC and lead the PAX through some bench work, wall sits burpees and some Mary. AYE, Anchorman- T-Claps.
Great to see fresh faces that follow AKA calendar. Admiral was on fire today- well done!
It was an honor for Walker and I to head across the River on this cool and cloudy gloom to lead 6 of The Fort’s Finest HIM who decided on this day they would not allow the Fartsack to overtake them. Thank you Smuggler for the opportunity. Thank you to the men of The Fort to allow us to visit you this weekend.
WARMUP
YHC led the warmup with the following in cadence: Side Straddle Hops, Imperial Walkers, Low Slow Squats, Merkins, Peter Parker Peters. We then took a quick mosey over to the wall in front of the Tennis Center for what was to commence below.
THETHANG
Once we arrived at the wall we went through 2 rounds of Irkins, Dips, Step-Ups, and Derkins all in cadence. We then headed back to Runde Park for some curls, Tricep Extensions, Squats w/block overhead, Bent Over Rows, & Lunges (All with the Paving Blocks in the parking lot). YHC then handed over the Q-Stick to Walker for the following:
We began with the infamous Starfish workout. 25 Body Squats at the center each time we returned, and 25 Merkins, 25 Diamond Merkins, 25 Wide Arm Merkins, & 26 Staggered Merkins.
Then Walker led us in some core work with a lot of Flutters and One Legged Flutters (each leg). Then we circled up for for some cardio doing the Original Burpee (no push up, no jump, and hands touch the ground before you thrust your feet). We were 20-seconds on and 10-seconds off for I think 20 times.
We then did a round of 7’s with Merkins at one end and Jump Squats at the other. Walker had about 3 minutes left and we finished with more flutters & Merkins (WHO WOULD HAVE GUESSED).
Great work to all HIMs who showed up this morning. Thank you again.
NMM
This was not mentioned at the COT, but I want to remind all PAX of the Fort to stick to the challenge given by Maximus at the Christmas Convergence. Take some time TODAY and call a former FNG whom you haven’t seen in a while and get them back out into the gloom. We all fail at this so let’s make it a point. One man a week is all you need to do. Aye!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Convergence & Invergence-March 8-Baxter HT and The Shack.
Joe Davis Run-March 9.
Operation Sweet Tooth Run-March 30 in Tega Cay beginning at Runde Park.
PRAYERS/PRAISES
Prayers and praises were mentioned and were lifted up by Walker.
0545 – Arrive at Palisades Elementary School AKA The Abyss where Bear Grylis is tailgating like its the Summer Concert tour and he’s at FORT-A_PALOOZA.
Ruckers and Runners were gathering and getting ready for a full morning of all 3 F’s. The Pre-Ruck led by Bonsai (as Worldwide Leader was MIA) got together and away they went.
YHC gathered all of the Clave Boss 5k runners and gave the instructions for the course. Signs were posted however it was still difficult for some to follow (Royale, Funhouse and some others) and they got 3.5mi surprise.
0605 – The 4th Annual Clave Boss 5k launched and 32 runners hit the hills of Palisades. This year we awarded Bundt Cakes to the first runner at various paces.
MacGyver flew in at 20:47 6:60/mi and then went back to encourage other runners – True #HIM
Sharkbait came in at 24:43 7.88/mi
Islander rolled in at 27:10 8.74/mi
Twister with a 31:25 10.08/mi
Smuggler wrapped it up with a solid 34:11 11:00/mi
Appreciate all the participants. Next Year’s 5th Annual will be a special event for sure!!
0700 – Preruck has returned, Clave Boss has wrapped up and now more cars have entered the parking lot with PAX gathering all around. It was time to launch the convergence. YHC ask if there were FNGs, and we had 4 in attendance, gave the disclaimer. YHC then gave RUCK crew green light to jet with a 0750 COT. The remaining 75 or so PAX had YHC and Maximus for the next 50minutes
The Thang:
Mosey parking lot….20 SSHs, Go to other end of lot, Merkins, go to other end of lot for squats, back to other end of parking lot for LBCs
Line up in 6 lines, each line goes to a cone and each cone has exercise on it
Merkins
Bearcrawl
Leg Lifts
Lunge walk
Wide Arm Merkins
Run
Donkey Kicks
Bearcrawl
Spider-man Merkins
Lunge walk
Sumo Squats
Run
3 rounds of above, 5 reps, then 10 reps, then 15 reps
The mumble chatter was classic and the fellowship as always enjoyable
Handoff to Maximus
Mosey to back of School and line up in 6 lines for Pain Platoon
Santini led squat routine that is always a crowd pleaser
Burpees
Pusher led Lunges
Burpees
Double D led Mc-tar-Ny ??
Burpees
Bubba Gump led SSHs
Burpees
4 lines – turn to face one another – then Seal Team Sit ups–always a big crowd pleaser
Mosey to front of school for COT:
Plank while waiting on RUCK crew and 6 inches with Walker…..always fun!!
93 was the count with 4 FNGs
Bo Knows
Ferris
Gaylord
Doubtfire
We Switzered to gather around and listing to Mr. Clean give a message and challenge to the PAX
I’m honored to speak with you today; Tomorrow (Christmas night) is the 1 year anniversary of me and the kids finding Cindy (my wife) unconscious. She was immediately put on life support Cindy died 3 days later from complications of MS and an addiction to alcohol I thought our life was on cruise control. I was being non -purposeful and non intentional. Being a single parent and grieving thru the tragic death of a spouse has been unreal.A few things I have learned from this that I would like to share.
I have a much deeper awareness of emotional health. I have been humbled. Being humble creates avenue for change and growth. My question to you is…are you vulnerable and humble enough to let brothers in to help you?? Are you humble enough to ask for him if you are escaping reality w addictions? Alcohol, porn, etc
I have a more real relationship w Christ.At a time when I doubted Christ care for me and my children and his desire to help our family Christ stepped in and answered a very exact prayer request. If you have doubts about Christ, speak to me please. I would love to share with you what He alone has done.
I am thankful for the suffering. It has brought our family closer together. Even though I and the kids are miss Cindy everyday, we have so much to be thankful. I am thankful for the life that we had w Cindy. I am thankful that she is suffering no more. I am thankful that Cindy is made as new. Most importantly, am thankful for the birth of Christ. He gives us HOPE for a better day.
My Challenge to you is Love Deeper and Speak Sweeter. — too often people speak disrespectfully of their spouses and children and parents. Words matter and we all need to choose them wisely. We need to hold each other accountable and “get our heads out of our asses” as you never know when that person will be taken from you.
YHC can’t thank Mr Clean enough for this message and his friendship. over the last 2 years we have grown together to be better Christ followers, better husbands and fathers. He is such a great leader and I’m blessed to have him in my life.
If you need someone like this in your life, reach out to me and we’ll get you set up as there are a boatload of HIMs in the PAX
It was time for some major announcements in leadership. YHC has led as NANTAN for The Fort region for about 15months. Prior to that I was Weasel Shaker and prior to that 3rdF Q and in-between Site Qs of Ranch, Ballroom, Crossroads,, ChicknWizdim, and led CSAUP teams at P200, Kiawah and others.
It was time to hand over the keys to this well oiled machine to a new leader. A man I’ve watched grow and lead in all 3 F’s and lead well. First got to know him well on the 2014 BRR 9 man team. I was asked to attend Colombia mission with with him in 2015 that he led. Have Qd many times with him and attended a retreat in Boone with him in 2017 and saw his heart for God, Family and the PAX of The Fort. In 2018 he led BEYOND and pushed men to not only dig deep physically but to stretch themselves emotionally and spiritually. This sealed it for me that this man understood leadership and that men needed to be Freed to Lead.
MAXIMUS is the new NANTAN of The Fort!
I personally am excited for this next chapter and look forward to more men being Freed to Lead by his example and inspiration. With this change, some other leaders have stepped up as well.
Weasel Shaker = Funhouse
1stFQ = Royale
2ndFQ = Wegmans
3rdFQ = Gecko
I personally want to thank Old Bay for years of leadership and more importantly friendship. I true HIM who makes so much happen behind the scenes that there is no way The FORT would be where it is today without him.
Also, want to thank Anchorman for 2nd F Q during my time as Nantan, as well as all his leadership at Footloose, encouraging guys to push themselves and the many great ideas and ways to challenge the PAX. Appreciate you brother!
BOM – Gecko had great words to close out this convergence. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus and all of the Holidays, I pray we find JOY in everything and not take anything for granted. I appreciate all the PAX and my brothers of THE GLOOM.
September 29, 2012 the landscape of Fort Mill changed dramatically. Some men from north of the border grabbed the attention of a few men south of the boarder and said we may have something for you. Double D, Santini, Senator Tressel, World Wide Leader, Red Banjo, Assassin, Peach and maybe others made the commitment to come to a “workout” on that Saturday morning. It was very skeptical, but I am sure each of them will say it changed their lives.
Here we are 6 years later, meeting in the same park with more than 200 regular participants (800+ over the years) at 37 workouts across The Fort/Lake Wylie area. Thank you to those that gave it away and thank you to those that said yes!! I think it is safe to say, IT’S MORE THAN A WORKOUT!!!
Today we recognize the 6 years with 6 Qs leading a beat down in 1st F style. On September 21st, Jekyll led us in our Invergence, which reminds us of the 3rdF and that there is something bigger than ourselves. Serving, Praying and Worshiping together happened then. On this day, we are getting better physically and having some fellowship with 70 of our PAX,
Format was a rapid fire approach where each Q has 10mins to lay it on the PAX. Old Bay would keep time and blow the air horn (maybe tweet the horn??), and then the next Q jumps in.
YHC asked for FNGS, (none) and explained the plan of attack, and then the Horn Sounded
The Thang:
Wegmans for COP
Mosey down path out to grass
Circle up and some traditional and not so traditional exercise moves.
We did notice another “Boot camp” group in the gloom. T-clapps to them, however also saw 2 holding clip boards…..not F3!!
Horm Blows
Funhouse on Q
Mosey to the hill for Jacobs ladder
Burpees
Squats
Some mary to fill time
Horn Blows
Jwow on Q
Mosey to top of hill for partner work
step ups/lunge walk up and down hill
squat jumps/lunge walk up and down hill
Plank hand slap with partner
Horn Blow
Twister on Q
Mosey to tree line
Army Crawl to tree /SSHs
Sprint to tree/Merkins
Army Crawl to Tree/SSHs
Sprint to tree/merkins
2 rounds
Run Path until Horm
Horn Blows
FLUX on Q
Mosey back to hill
6s – do following 6 times
bear crawl up hill
diamond merkins
bear crawl back down hill
Some filler in there of something aweful
Horn Blows
Assassin On Q
Mosey to play grownd
Dips
Derkins
Burpees
multiple rounds with running around the playground until…..
Horn Blows
The PAX was dripping wet from rolling in grass but also from the humid beat down that just occurred. Thanks to all the Qs for bringing it and having fun out there.
I brought up to the PAX “WHY”? Why F3 versus the many other options we have even outside of fitness and self help books. Why do we get up early and why do we do CSAUPS and why do we attend 3rdF and give away our time at various community organizations???
Pockets, Spud and Assassin all shared their Why. Thank you! I’m sure there were many more that would undoubtedly impactful.
I mentioned my why was straightforward for me. I want to continue to challenge myself physically, surround myself with like minded guys heading in the same direction and reach more guys for Sky Q and HIS purpose. I feel F3 has positively impacted my life in all 3 Fs and why would I not give it away??
18 assembled this morning for some bells (6) and #Beyond (12). YHC decided to change things up slightly. We did the Name-a-Rama first. Read on to see why.
NMM
You’ll also note that I’m posting the Naked Man Moleskin before the workout. Sometimes the message is more important than the workout. Today was one of those days. #Beyond is designed to take you out of your comfort zone and push buttons we would rather leave untouched. Today’s discussion was on depression.
Some facts:
There are 123 suicides in America every day
The highest suicide rate is adult males between the ages of 40 and 54
White males accounted for 7 out of every 10 suicides in 2016
These sobering statistics spoke to me because our PAX fit right in the sweet spot of these ranges. The average age this morning was 44 – right in the thick of these numbers. Depression effects men in different ways. This group is sandwiched in between the traditional silent, strong fathers who went to work and provided for their families and the more progressive, open generations of their sons who share parenting duties and aren’t always the breadwinners of the household. Many men never mastered either of these roles and now feel lost. We’ve married capable women who take care of everything from the children to the social agenda, leaving men to feel a void of purpose. Around this age, men look around at their neighbors and ask, “why am I not as successful as my neighbor?” Outside of our homes, we are lonely. We’ve lost track of our college buddies and only connect with our co-workers on a water cooler level. We feel like we haven’t accomplished enough. For all intents and purposes, men in their mid-40s often feel neutered – unable to provide the ways their dads did and unwilling or unprepared to be Mr. Mom to their older children. To make matters worse, a job loss or divorce often leads these men into a downward spiral of addiction and despair. Chances are, you’ve felt this way or know someone who does. It becomes our responsibility to reach out to these men and invite them into a brotherhood of love. Medical professionals recommend a few steps to battle depression. I added number 5:
Seek social support
Support your health (get enough sleep, control stress, and go outside)
Exercise
Eat Healthy
Give your concerns to God
All of these are incorporated into what we do each morning at F3. Social support comes in the form of other men who are battling or have battled this demon themselves. To me, its finding blades and stones to sharpen each other. It’s the second F – Fellowship. Doctors recommend finding outlets to blow off steam, exercising and getting outside. How else better than exercising outside in the elements pushing past pain with your brothers in the Gloom? This is the first F – Fitness. Finally, acknowledging that there is a higher being that loves you and wants what is best for you. Rather than telling God how big your problems are, tell your problem how big your God is. This is the third F – Faith.
I realized that the reason F3 is growing is because it is the answer to the question we never knew we had. It is the antidote to society’s poison of depression. We all struggle, from project managers to pastors. We all battle life. Why not surround yourself with guys who can build the 3 Fs right beside you? Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 says it best: “Two are better than one because they have good return for their labor. If either of them falls down, the other can help them up. But pity anyone who falls and has no other to help them up. Also if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
Interpret those three strands however you wish. I like to think of them as me, God, and my brothers. That dream team can win any fight. Grab your shield and suit up, we’ve got a battle to wage.
The Thang
Mosey to the front of the church
Hold the Plank for the duration of Disturbed “Sound of Silence”
Listen to the lyrics. Acknowledge that many men battle depression in silence. We weren’t made to fight alone.
