Brothers Helping Brothers

Recently, I had a conversation with a couple of brothers which ignited my thinking processes.  The concern expressed fell into the nature of Masonry and the Triangle Masonic Report, so naturally I was drawn to listen.  As we face the truth about our nations economy, unless one has buried their head in the sand, we surely realize the financial direction of our country is heading south. What we use to have we have less and less of, and that is abundance.  Brothers have to work harder, longer, and in some cases more than one job to make ends meet.  This makes it more difficult for a brother who has sought the light and who has paid his dues, now to come up with the money to purchase their regalia, if they decide to seek further light in Masonry.  Now, as many of you know, I started a Facebook page for Masons to donate or sell their memorabilia which could then be resold to collectors or curiosity seekers.  Another brother came to me about a job situation.  Here is where thoughts began to take shape.

What if we combined the Masons Trading Post with a new website called the Masonic Trading Post and included advertising on the Triangle Masonic Report?  First the fan base is already on FB, so people are aware.  Second, many already get the TMR and have a business to advertise.  Thirdly, we do so much to help others, yet we take an obligation to help each other, Fourth, the TMR is like a "community bulletin board". Fifth, widows of Masons or other family members are every day faced with all that stuff and clothes for which they have no use and don't know what to do with.  I see much that ends up in auctions and other places.  Why not put it to good use?

By taking in regalia, suits, chapeaus, coats, belts, swords, berets, guard uniforms, legion uniforms, keystone cops uniforms, and other masonic item, etc, and then selling it to the needy brother, he could save lots of money while supporting a good cause.  While advertising in the TMR this would cover the expense of the email host server, the email program, the website, and pay for other one-off items.  The TMR would still be free to receive, but a small fee for those wishing to advertise to help support the cause.

Additionally, for brothers needing jobs, or employees, the TMR could help by posting the need for both the seeker and provider.  What a wonderful way to be a Mason!

I would like to hear your thoughts. Email me with your comments.

What is holding you back?

If you go back to your Blue Lodge teaching, you may recall the twenty-four hour gauge.  Before I ever became a Mason, I knew about the twenty four hour gauge.  To most non-masons this is what is known as time management.  Obsessive-compulsive type personalities are, for lack of better words, obsessed with strict time management.  Fact is, we all have the same time, twenty four hours, 1440 minutes in a day,  and 86,400 seconds in a day.  Why is it that some people can accomplish so much in a twenty four hour period while others do so little?  TIME MANAGEMENT!!!!!

As Masons we are taught to manage our time.  Remember on the gauge, 8, 8, and 8?  In comparison, most college kids have to become very efficient with it to hold a job, go to class, and find time to study.  It gets done but we look back and wonder how.  Sadly, as I reach out to Blue lodges for the appendant and affiliate bodies, I hear many brothers say they want to get through the Blue lodge before moving on.  This always puzzles me.  Is it the cable tow?  I don't buy it!  I know some brothers that hold down three jobs, and have a family.  Yet, they are part of both Rites, and the Temple, besides their lodge.  I know other brothers who have multi-million dollar businesses, but they too are members of many bodies.  So what gives?

I once had a boss who told me she believed if I put my mind to something, I could do anything I wanted.   This has haunted me, or motivated me for many years.  I have heard others say if you want to get something done, give it to someone busy.  Why?  They know how to manage their time and they WILL get it done!

Are you being realistic?  Are you being honest with yourself?  Do you have to be proficient at everything before you move up?  Have you ever been called a Type A personality?  What you need to do is get a grip!  You have plenty of time.  You can expand your understanding by exploring the other bodies. Do you have to learn all the degrees?  (psst.  there are no catechisms in the other bodies, which means no memorization-unless you want to hold a chair) No!  Can you help out in the kitchen?  In the back stage area?  Recruiting?  Of course!!!  This is the 21st century!  You don't have to go through all the steps to become a member of another body to get more light in Masonry.  Put your mind to it!  You will be amazed at what you can recreate, or rearrange to get what you desire.  Then as you have time and understanding, you can get involved.  You  might even amaze yourself and find what you thought was an obstacle was only a twig in your path.