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[click here for a printable copy]
Dear Friends,
First, we want to thank you for your prayers. Today, the Lord willing, our new computer arrives after two months of waiting. We hope to have an introduction to Restoration Ministries and the Restoration Diagram, along with a training video for Demolishing Strongholds, available soon. Other training segments on the Hebraic foundations will follow.
Our intent right now is to distribute the training segments through DVD and video streaming on the Internet. These two methods are the best means for us to present the video and attachments for further study in a way that is compatible with computer and TV viewing.
In yesterday's Parade magazine that cam with our Sunday paper we were impressed with an article about a high school football coach, Joe Ehrmann. The article was entitled, He Turns Boys Into Men. Joe Ehrmann had been an NFL star in the mid-70's. Not only were his goals for developing boys into men commendable, but the article reminded us of how destructive the Hellenist influence is on men in the US.
I remember years ago as we were leaving Israel after completing our research, a Jewish follower of Jesus warned, "You’re going to the hardest place on earth for anyone to embrace the Hebraic foundations. Hellenism owns the Church in the United States." His words have come back to haunt us as we’ve done seminars over the years. The all-too-frequent phone calls from unloved wives, and from men who are all-cranial with no loving heart, grieve us. When a man’s relationship with Jesus consists solely of Bible knowledge, nothing flows from his heart in humble gratefulness or love-grounded obedient trust.
Sue and I don't know Joe Ehrmann's spiritual bent, but we were intrigued with this comment: "Masculinity ought to be defined in terms of relationships, and taught in terms of capacity to love and be loved."
Ehrmann listed five goals for developing more compassionate, interactive men:
1. Recognize the "three lies of false masculinity." Athletic ability, sexual conquest, and economic success are not the best measurements of manhood.
2. Allow yourself to love and be loved. Build and value relationships.
3. Accept responsibility, lead courageously, and enact justice on behalf of others. Practice concepts of empathy, inclusion, and integrity.
4. Learn the importance of serving others. Base your thoughts and actions on "What can I do for you?"
5. Develop a cause beyond yourself. Try to leave the world a better place because you were here.
We could have confirmed each of the above points with Bible passages, but you can recognize the Christ-like nature of Ehrmann’s goal. If you’ve read our Hebraic article on the true Gospel that was embraced by the early Church, The Gospel of the Covenant is the Pilgrimage to Salvation, then the importance of growing relationships and loving others is self-evident.
Below is a jpeg insert. Attached in a pdf document requiring Adobe Acrobat Reader is a tool that may help you on your path to stronger, more loving relationships with others. It is our rendition of the Johari Window.
Pane #1 represents What I know about me is what others know about me. In other words, your life is transparent. Your private and public persona are the same. You aren't fearful of what others may find out about you. And, your genuine love for others enables you to be aware of how you affect others.
The work of the Holy Spirit and the help of others (which includes soliciting feedback from others about yourself) can open you to disclose your inner self. Relationships in which you are known in spirit and in truth bring a relationally healthy, loving life.
Pane #2 is the Bull-in-a-China Shop. This person goes through life oblivious of his negative impact on others. Others who know them often ask the question behind their back, "Doesn't so-and-so know?" Sadly, unless they solicit feedback, or someone has the loving courage to provide it, they remain unaware. This kind of love overcomes a possible embarrassed reaction and takes the person aside individually to talk heart to heart.
Pane #3 is the person who comes across as Aloof. His perceived arrogance hides a lot of fear. Deep inside he’s controlled by hidden secrets. He fears others will reject him or think less of him if they "knew his secrets." The aloof person can be very talkative, but always about facts and things “out there”. You never get to know the heart of the person. He may hide behind the warmest of personalities and ask you all the questions, but you never get to really know him.
To get out of this pit requires disclosure. The person trapped in his hidden secrets needs to open up. And, those who recognize an aloof person must lovingly solicit disclosure. This individual needs to be reassured if he is going to share that which he’s hidden for so long.
Pane #4 is the most difficult of all conditions. People whose potential is hidden away can be found in churches in which numbers allow them to maintain anonymity. They can be vicariously close to people as they sit in pews, but no one really knows their strengths, needs or gifts. People the Hidden Potential folks describe as close friends usually live far away; contact with them is limited. Little of the character of Jesus is ever displayed by Hidden Potential people. In their imprisonment they neither express or demonstrate love others nor can they experience the love of others, including God's love.
Sometimes you’ll find these people in charge of committees and even in leadership in congregations. As long as they are in control these individuals can function. But they role model nothing of the character of Jesus, and no one really knows them.
We hope the Johari Window may be of some help to you in your quest to develop Christ-like character. Again, thanks for praying...
Mike & Sue Dowgiewicz
