“Hey buddy, I think you’ve finally figured it out.”
Ever heard those words uttered? To you? I’ve had them recently centered around a program, with the assistance of many others, Victory has created. It’s called “A Stronger Cord.” ASC for short.
It’s pointed directly at the men of America. The mission? Encourage men to grow stronger - mind, body and spirit. In my work with the homeless in Denver for the past few years, it’s become crystal clear, at least in this simple dude from Missouri’s cranium that the men of America could do better.
Too many are walking away from responsibilities of leadership - home, work and elsewhere - and living on the streets. I spend considerable time with these guys these days. Want to do more. I call them knuckleheads. They call me a knucklehead. Each is correct. For whatever reason, life has not gone exactly as planned. For any of us.
Why? There are many reasons. But what is stressed with each and every engagement is that we have a choice. Correct. It’s really quite simple. Given that life is a roller coaster, when we hit the dips, what are we going to do? That’s been a fundamental question Victory’s been asking for a decade. Stuff happens. A few might be lucky enough to avoid life’s disasters. They are the exception.
We have lots of guys who need to be re-connected with their families, a meaningful job and a variety of social groups. Win. Win. Win. ASC takes direct aim at these guys.
For instance, David. A program candidate at the Denver Rescue Mission. Young and handsome. Movie star looks. He’s also had a problem with saying no to drugs. Meth. He knows it. As I think all of us can relate, old habits - drugs, alcohol, bad relationships, lack of purpose, too much work, to name a few - are sometimes hard to break, right?
Well about three months ago, this dude, who I pray keeps moving forward in such a positive way said, “Hey Mark, we need to start exercising around here!” He was talking about life at the shelter. Lots of bodies crammed in there. No viable space for working out as a group. I’m a huge proponent of a “sweat a day keeps the doctor away.”
From life as an athlete to life as a sports guy, I have marinated too many years in locker rooms. There’s (this is a dude thing) just something about being in the gym and collectively toiling with a bunch of other goofballs in the pursuit of a common goal. The goal might be success in athletics, business or non-profit. I don’t give a donkey’s butt. What matters is men are bonding in healthy and production fashion. Sweating. Grunting. Verbally joisting. United. It glues men together. Especially when this “man time” gives rise to success. The fruits of the effort are bountiful and permeating.
Benefits a man’s mind, body and spirit. When I say spirit, I mean their attitude. Their spirit. It has nothing to do with religious, or lack thereof, beliefs. Anyway, back to the point. A Stronger Cord.
Men isolated from their responsibilities need a comprehensive program with a mission to strengthen their minds, bodies and spirits, rebuild social networks and reconnect with loved ones, work opportunities and community ties.
Victory’s Platoon network is the key to rebuilding social networks and important personal relationships. We’re actively seeking fitness-minded men with positive attitudes to join us in workouts and relationship building. Platoon members encourage men in recovery to achieve goals and overcome challenges. Challenged men often have talents hidden beneath the struggles. ASC is trying like heck to unearth them.
King Solomon once said long ago: “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. But a cord of three strands is not easily broken.” Good things come in threes, right? Stronger mind, body and spirit. Better attitude, social network and relationships across board - family, job and community. There’s tons of three-stranded cords within ASC.
In addition, Victory, as its been doing for a decade, will continue to produce content like live presentations, the Daily Dose, weekly Pep Talk, books, JOCK products, videos, blogs, podcasts and other stuff. All available to support ASC.
Denver has a homeless problem. Most of that population is male. A Stronger Cord is going to engage those guys. We need your support. Time. Talents and Treasures. We could use it all at this early stage. I hope something in this ramble inspires you to reach out and say, “Mac, count me in!” If not you, somebody you know.
It’s time for a team meeting. It’s time for a stronger cord. One that’s not easily broken despite life’s challenges. Thanks for reading. I’d love to hear your thoughts. Let’s work together to figure this out. Teamwork. The key to success. Join us!
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