MMWoody
Registered User
Brothers,
Over the weekend I was at a neighbors house watching the football game, Go Texans, when another neighbor walked up and had a letter or something that I believe was from the GLOT. Now, I am by no means close with these neighbors, we have hung out several times and they within a few doors from me. These guys are all in my age group mid 30’ and I would say we have similar upbringing. I have Texas Masons plates on my vehicles, don’t leave the house without my grandfather’s ring and have tail light decals so I am confident that it is well known that I am a Mason. Anyway, this guy walks up and mentioned my ring and then showed the paper in a secretive type of way, hard to describe, I guess it was his body language more than anything else. The other guys there asked him are you a Mason and he said no but thinking about it at which point they all turned to me and were inquiring about my ring. At which point I said yes I am a Master Mason and belong to the League City Lodge. They began to ask questions as expected and I found myself not 100% sure of what I should say. The first comment was it is a secret society and all that stuff that you always here. I tried to convey to them why I became a Mason and that all Masons share similar beliefs. In fact, as I said, I am not close with these guys but feel I know of their character and seem to be decent guys, and feel that they share the same if not similar views as mine. After a short time the subject got changed and a short time after I went home. However, I found myself wondering if I had missed an opportunity to portray Masonry in the best of light. I was unsure as to how to exactly answer their questions. I am fully aware of what I can say and what I can say, I guess it was awkward for me and was a little less than forthcoming with details. After I left a few thoughts came to mind. First, I need to reach out to this guy down the street that is showing interest in Masonry and help him along in any way possible. Second, although I didn’t feel that I communicated all the things I love about Masonry and what it means to me, I feel as if I did the Fraternity justice. Lastly, I would like to hear from you more seasoned brothers as to what would your response have been when presented with the same or similar situation when you are out of your comfort zone.
Over the weekend I was at a neighbors house watching the football game, Go Texans, when another neighbor walked up and had a letter or something that I believe was from the GLOT. Now, I am by no means close with these neighbors, we have hung out several times and they within a few doors from me. These guys are all in my age group mid 30’ and I would say we have similar upbringing. I have Texas Masons plates on my vehicles, don’t leave the house without my grandfather’s ring and have tail light decals so I am confident that it is well known that I am a Mason. Anyway, this guy walks up and mentioned my ring and then showed the paper in a secretive type of way, hard to describe, I guess it was his body language more than anything else. The other guys there asked him are you a Mason and he said no but thinking about it at which point they all turned to me and were inquiring about my ring. At which point I said yes I am a Master Mason and belong to the League City Lodge. They began to ask questions as expected and I found myself not 100% sure of what I should say. The first comment was it is a secret society and all that stuff that you always here. I tried to convey to them why I became a Mason and that all Masons share similar beliefs. In fact, as I said, I am not close with these guys but feel I know of their character and seem to be decent guys, and feel that they share the same if not similar views as mine. After a short time the subject got changed and a short time after I went home. However, I found myself wondering if I had missed an opportunity to portray Masonry in the best of light. I was unsure as to how to exactly answer their questions. I am fully aware of what I can say and what I can say, I guess it was awkward for me and was a little less than forthcoming with details. After I left a few thoughts came to mind. First, I need to reach out to this guy down the street that is showing interest in Masonry and help him along in any way possible. Second, although I didn’t feel that I communicated all the things I love about Masonry and what it means to me, I feel as if I did the Fraternity justice. Lastly, I would like to hear from you more seasoned brothers as to what would your response have been when presented with the same or similar situation when you are out of your comfort zone.