You would think that as we grow older we would become immunized to disappointment but the truth is quiet the opposite; As we grow older at some point we realize certain things and situations are not going to change no matter how much we desire and it makes us sad. The old saying, "Reality Bites" becomes a staple of our lexicon and if we aren't careful we will allow it to depress any hope of happiness we may have left.
As a Mason who interacts on a daily basis with other Masons I have come to realize that just as in any other organization there are men who are sincere about improving themselves and others who are fakes and frauds. If we are going to grow spiritually and emotionally we need to align ourselves with men who have the same goals and aspirations and just because a man has a current dues card does not mean he is on the same path to self improvement or enlightenment. If you find such to be the case do not closely associate yourself with that man lest he lead you astray.
There was an incident this week which shook my world to it's very foundation but after some soul searching I came to realize had I heeded the warnings of a few good men over the last year, I would have been better prepared for the incident and may have averted the outcome. But since the incident I have been told numerous times that God has other plans for me which I have to believe is true so that I can move on.
Trust in certain areas of my life comes hard for me especially when I let my guard down and get kicked in the teeth (symbolically) it re-enforces my belief that some people are just inherently evil and should be avoided at all cost.
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Thursday, December 5, 2013
The message I will read at my installation tonight.
12/06/2013
Most Worshipful, Right Worshipful, Worshipful Brothers, Brothers, Family and Friends; Tonight, I am humbled by the mantel of responsibility placed on my shoulders and will endeavor to take it up and lead Plains Lodge in 2014 in a manner which will looking back make you proud.
The number of Brothers who have stepped forward not only from Plains Lodge but from other constituent lodges and offered to help make 2014 a success is astounding and really drives the point home that Masonry truly embodies the essense of Brotherhood. There are a few among us who have come out in support of their friends and family yet do not know what Masons do behind closed doors. Rumours range from riding goats to plotting the overthrow of the free world, well I will let you in on a secret, the free world can rest easy.
We don't take things people say about us to heart because when you have been around in one form or fashion since time immemorial and have suffered as our brothers have under tyrants, kings and misinformed church leaders you tend to develop a thick skin. I get more frustrated with people who know what we do, yet do not support us than those who dislike us for one twisted reason or another.
Masons are men who come together from all walks of life and have chosen this path of self improvement and character building as one which works for them. Our motto is "Making Good Men Better" and we do this by providing opportunities for Good men to be with other Good men and in lifting each other up when we slip, as we all do from time to time, build trust in the bond which holds us together. Through the trials and tribulations we face together we are strengthen and become more than friends, we become BROTHERS. How many organizations do you know who can proclaim with pride as many Kings, Lords, Prime Ministers, Presidents, Church Fathers, Poets, Writers, Singers, Actors, Race Car Drivers, etc... oh and ordinary men like me, among their ranks? I can't think of any and believe me I have tried.
Now to my Brothers who have through their ballot selected me Worshipful Master of Plains Lodge # 135 Free and Accepted Masons for 2014, I say to you, while we all know that in any lodge the real work is done by the Secretary and Treasurer, I want to assure you that, as the plaque sitting on President Truman's desk stated "The Buck Stops Here!" If at the end of this term there are to be any accolades or praises to be given they will have been earned by us all but any failures are to be placed where they belong, squarely on this Oriental Chair.
I want to once again thank each and everyone of you for making this night special. Thank you and May God Bless You all.
David E. Carroll Jr.
WM Plains Lodge #135 F&A.M. 2014
Most Worshipful, Right Worshipful, Worshipful Brothers, Brothers, Family and Friends; Tonight, I am humbled by the mantel of responsibility placed on my shoulders and will endeavor to take it up and lead Plains Lodge in 2014 in a manner which will looking back make you proud.
The number of Brothers who have stepped forward not only from Plains Lodge but from other constituent lodges and offered to help make 2014 a success is astounding and really drives the point home that Masonry truly embodies the essense of Brotherhood. There are a few among us who have come out in support of their friends and family yet do not know what Masons do behind closed doors. Rumours range from riding goats to plotting the overthrow of the free world, well I will let you in on a secret, the free world can rest easy.
We don't take things people say about us to heart because when you have been around in one form or fashion since time immemorial and have suffered as our brothers have under tyrants, kings and misinformed church leaders you tend to develop a thick skin. I get more frustrated with people who know what we do, yet do not support us than those who dislike us for one twisted reason or another.
Masons are men who come together from all walks of life and have chosen this path of self improvement and character building as one which works for them. Our motto is "Making Good Men Better" and we do this by providing opportunities for Good men to be with other Good men and in lifting each other up when we slip, as we all do from time to time, build trust in the bond which holds us together. Through the trials and tribulations we face together we are strengthen and become more than friends, we become BROTHERS. How many organizations do you know who can proclaim with pride as many Kings, Lords, Prime Ministers, Presidents, Church Fathers, Poets, Writers, Singers, Actors, Race Car Drivers, etc... oh and ordinary men like me, among their ranks? I can't think of any and believe me I have tried.
Now to my Brothers who have through their ballot selected me Worshipful Master of Plains Lodge # 135 Free and Accepted Masons for 2014, I say to you, while we all know that in any lodge the real work is done by the Secretary and Treasurer, I want to assure you that, as the plaque sitting on President Truman's desk stated "The Buck Stops Here!" If at the end of this term there are to be any accolades or praises to be given they will have been earned by us all but any failures are to be placed where they belong, squarely on this Oriental Chair.
I want to once again thank each and everyone of you for making this night special. Thank you and May God Bless You all.
David E. Carroll Jr.
WM Plains Lodge #135 F&A.M. 2014
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