November, 1989


THE CHALLENGE FOR THE 1990's

by R.W. Bro.  A.G.B. Gibbs, PDDGM


As we are thrust into the 1990's with the advent of the New Year,
I often wonder in which direction to look for Masonic sustenance
and Masonic reality - to the past, or to the future?

In my search for some form of clarity, Masonically speaking, I
referred to my writings in the Masonic past as a starting-point
for my reflections.  In doing so, I found my thoughts as valid
today as they were when I wrote them over a decade ago.  Perhaps
you may agree! (Reprinted within a commentary by M.W. William N.
Love, "The Challenge for the 1980's", Alberta Grand Lodge
Bulletin, Vol. 45, No. 5 of January, 1980, but with appropriate
year change.)

"How strange it is that in a matter of passing days only, that
wonderful spirit of giving and caring, togetherness and sharing,
seems to wane with the advent of the New Year.  How sad it is
that the warmth and empathy towards our fellow-man becomes
dissipated with the turning of the calendar and the reality of
winter closes in on us.

Christmas time was so nice! There were so many things to do, and
so many nice things to be done And yet, here we are in January,
not really bothering to look around for those nice things to be
done ... We have not solved many things, my brethren, we merely
did them homage for a few short days when our hearts were warmer,
and our good will towards those less fortunate than ourselves
made us feel more comfortable.

Somehow, some way, (and soon!), we Masons must tenaciously grasp
and hold on tightly to that spirit of caring and giving-all year
long.  Our Fraternal ties provide us all with the right vehicle
by which we can extend the spirit of Christmas ...

Here then, my brethren, is the challenge of 1990!! Facing the
realities (truth) of those we can be concerned about-all year. 
Do some one thing to relieve the burdened among us (relief)-each
week! Being concemed about all, especially those brethren and
their families, so that our Masonic lives may be further enriched
(daily) through the practice of brotherly Love.  Masonic
enrichment for 1990 and beyond, begins with you, my brother!!!"

Indeed, I do believe that my written words of so long ago still
appear to be valid.  But what impact, it any, have they had on
the brethren of the 1980's Were they the right words and thoughts
for the time in which they were written? In the decade past, did
these thoughts of Masonic concern inspire all who would read to
convert Masonic Philosophy into daily pragmatic Masonry? Sadly, I
would venture only a "maybe", if not a somewhat reluctant, "no". 
And yet, if not, why not? Could the Craft require a more
pragmatic approach for the decade ahead? What should we aspire
to, that could, for example, provide a bolder strategy that would
eff ectively combat our declining membership and attendance?

It is to this end that my writings for the Masonic decade ahead,
before the closing of the 20th century, now reflect a more
directive, and hopefully, pragmatic stance.  Therein, a brother
might find, manifested clearly, perhaps a more practical,
workable approach within Masonic philosophy, and hope that it, in
turn, might aid the membership and attendance problems facing us
in the 1990's.

It is my belief that the greatest challenge facing Freemasonry
today, and in the decade ahead, is that of COMMUNICATION.  Are we
truly communicating with one another within the Craft? Cad
Rogers, a renowned author and writer, identifies three essential
ingredients for peak communication-CONGRUENCE, EMPATHY, and
POSITIVE REGARD.  If you will, measure their definitions in terms
of your Masonic life.

1. CONGRUENCE-This means you are what you are, without masks,
fronts, or facade.  Martin Buber identifies this as the
difference between "being" and "seeming".  He states, "to yield
to seeming is man's essential cowardice; to resist it is his
essential courage." (or as a sage once said, "Be yourself-no one
else is better qualilied!")

2. EMPATHY-This is the accurate empathic understanding of the
other person.  We must let the other person know we are
interested and open, not only to what they are saying, but also
what they are feeling.  But Rogers warns that this is risky, for
ff we really take the person's world into our own, we stand the
chance of being changed ourselves, so we resist it.

3. POSITIVE REGARD-Having a warm, positive, accepting attitude
towards the other person as a person.

So it seems that we must have a healthy knowledge, acceptance,
and affection for ourselves, so that we might open up with
understanding, acceptance, and real interest to others.

Applying these thoughts and actions to our Masonic teachings and
beliefs, we as Masons, cannot help but improve in our daily
intercourse throughout our ranks, and throughout and within our
own lodges! If we all make a conscious effort to implement
CONGRUENCY, EMPATHY, and POSITIVE REGARD within our lodge,
throughout our Craft, as well as in our general intercourse with
our fellowman, then maybe, just maybe, the 1990's will hold
manifest blessings, well eamed, for all would strive to perfect
their Craft!

Here then, is but one pragmatic approach to one's Masonry in the
challenging years ahead-a plan to increase attendance and
membership, (including those brethren already on our rolls).  It
will take courage-from each of us, in his turn, to do something
positive, and practical that will move our Craft forward,
positively-into the 21st Century.  CONGRUENCE! EMPATHY! POSITIVE
REGARD!-in lodge-out of lodge-a plan of Masonic Congruence,
Masonic Empathy, and Masonic Positive Regard begins with YOU, my
brother!!!

- Listen to what your brother can tell you!

- Understand how it seems to him!

- Look at what personal meaning it has for him!

- Sense the emotional flavour which it has for him!

Then you have really communicated! You would have listened with a
Masonic understanding worthy of a Freemason of the 1990's!-a 
Freemason with CONGRUENCE, EMPATHY, and warm, POSITIVE REGARD FOR
HIS Craftsmanship!!!



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