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To lead is to serve

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“If you want to be a leader, you must be a servant first.” — Lao Tzu Within Freemasonry, there is no shortage of titles, offices, and honors. In the Symbolic Lodge alone there are officers ranging from the Stewards to the Master. Beyond that are the degrees of the Scottish Rite, the York Rite, the Shrine, and numerous other appendant bodies. Then there are District Deputies, Grand Lodge officers, committee chairmen, and more titles than most of us could ever hope to remember. But do those titles really mean anything? Yes and no. They deserve respect because they represent service. We should honor those who give their time, energy, and effort to the Craft. Yet the title itself is never the important thing. The work behind it is. In fact, the greatest title you will ever receive in Masonry is not Worshipful Master, Grand Master, Sovereign Grand Inspector General, or any other distinguished office. The highest and most noble title is bestowed upon you the very first day you enter the Temp...
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What is a Covenant?

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So, what is a covenant, and what does it really mean? As Masons, we enter into what could be called a covenant relationship, though perhaps not in the way many people imagine. I will not discuss the wording of those covenants except to say this: there is nothing within them that would conflict with any obligation you already hold to God, your country, your family, your neighbor, or yourself. But what exactly is a covenant? The word itself carries weight. A covenant is more than a simple promise. It is a sacred commitment that binds people together in a meaningful and often life-changing way. That is part of why, within Freemasonry, these obligations are given during the degree process, each one building upon the last. Every degree adds another layer of understanding and responsibility. The initiatory process is meant to change a person for the better. That is the purpose of initiation — or, as I often think of it, dedication. At its core, a covenant is a binding agreement. The way such...
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We Never Really Die

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  Last night during our stated meeting in Lodge, we came to the part of the evening where we speak of illness, struggles, and those Brothers who have passed beyond this life. It was mentioned that a very respected and beloved Brother of the Lodge had passed away. I never had the pleasure of meeting him personally, yet from the stories shared about him, I still felt a sense of loss. Not only the loss of a Brother — because anytime a Brother passes there should be grief — but also sorrow for those who shared a deeper and more personal bond with him. After all, we are all connected. Last night I shared only a few brief thoughts, which is unusual for me because I do enjoy speaking from time to time. But as I listened to the memories and stories being told, one word kept repeating itself in my mind: “was.” Now, I say this with no judgment toward any Brother sharing those memories. God forbid. But I do not believe there truly is such a thing as “was” when speaking of someone who ...
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What Is a Miracle?

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There are two different definitions of a miracle within Webster’s Dictionary. I will focus on the first for now: “An effect or extraordinary event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers and is ascribed to a supernatural cause.” This morning I watched a reel of a man talking about miracles. He told the story of Peter fishing in Capernaum. Peter was questioned about the Temple tax and why he and a certain Rabbi had not yet paid it. The Rabbi asked Peter: “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth collect tolls or taxes? From their own sons or from others?” Peter answered, “From others.” The Rabbi then replied: “Then the sons are exempt. But so that we do not offend them, go to the sea, cast a hook, and take the first fish that you pull up. When you open its mouth, you will find a silver coin. Take that coin and give it to them for me and for you.” Peter did exactly that. He caught a fish, opened its mouth, and found the money needed to ...
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Makes me laugh

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Earlier today I saw a comment on a post I made in another Freemasonry group… and right on cue, the “trolls” showed up like it was their full-time job and someone rang the dinner bell. Attacking not only Freemasonry, but me personally. Which, honestly, is impressive—because it takes real dedication to misunderstand that much all at once. So to the “trolls,” I want to take a moment and say: thank you. No really… thank you. Because if I didn’t have something of value, you wouldn’t be investing this level of energy. I mean, nobody rage-types essays about things that don’t matter. That’s not trolling—that’s unpaid marketing. Now, I’ll admit, it took me a while to get here. There was a time when I’d get fired up. You know the feeling—neck tight, blood pressure rising, fingers hovering over the keyboard like you’re about to type the Constitution 2.0. I felt like I had to defend Masonry. Turns out… I don’t. Masonry doesn’t need me to defend it. It’s been doing just fine for a few h...
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Darkness looks back

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Here it is—May 5, 2026. In Star Wars terms, the day of the Sith. I hope you had a great May 4th, and that the Force was with you. Actually, the Force is with you—“always.” But how do we really look at that? We tend to frame things in opposites: the Jedi on one side, the Sith on the other. Both draw from the same Force, yet apply it in very different ways. It’s the age-old struggle of good versus evil—something that may be best summed up by attitude. As Jack Sparrow puts it: “The problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem.” There are many ways to explore this idea. One comes from Bible, in Matthew 5:45: “...for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” Unpleasant things are going to happen. That’s simply part of life. We may not look forward to them—I know I don’t—but they’re inevitable. Even in Masonic teachings, there’s the idea of Fortune’s Wheel. Wheels turn. You can’t stay on top forever, ...
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The Bible

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I came across a short reel by Michael Poll this morning that set my mind turning—and as you might expect, it led me down the path of spirituality. I’ll do my best to keep “religion” out of this, or at least set it to the side. To me, religion often carries the weight of dogma—ideas presented as unquestionable truth without room for personal exploration. Spirituality, on the other hand, feels alive. It’s personal. It’s how we reach toward the Divine in our own way, not how we’re told we must. That distinction matters to me. It’s likely why I’ve stepped away from religion while still holding tightly to the spiritual. Now, I know there are thoughtful people—friends of mine included—who see no real difference between the two. I respect that view. I simply don’t share it. (And yes, I’m aware that pairing my name with the word “humble” might raise a few smiles—I had one myself writing that.) For clarity’s sake, I’m not a Christian, and haven’t been for a long time. My struggle has neve...
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