November 2023
Hello TWP family!
Most of you know that early detection, a fantastic doctor, and the support from my family and friends saved my life! Back in February of 2019, Testicular Cancer became part of my story. This February will be five years since my diagnosis! As a survivor, I now seek to advocate for and promote the health of men, their families, and the community they operate in.
We are five days away from November! The month ahead affords the opportunity to intentionally push for the health, well-being, and vitality of the mates around you and me. You don't have to do this alone!
In his book Don't Waste Your Cancer, John Piper writes, "Cancer does not win if you die. It wins if you fail to cherish Christ." That's honest and so raw. Cancer hurts and is so confusing. Yet, I am learning not to waste my Cancer. I will waste my Cancer if I don't "fix my eyes on Jesus" (Hebrews 12:2). I will waste my Cancer if I don't love my wife, daughters, and family like Jesus "first loved me" (1 John 4:19). I will waste my Cancer if I don't get up and "run the race marked for me" (Hebrews 12:1).
So let's go! Let's go together this November! Here are a couple of ways I would love for you and your family to participate:
#1 - Make a mustache! Build a beard! Get a goatee!
The scruffy hair on our faces will serve as a conversation starter. When someone asks, we can point them to the importance of spiritual, physical, mental, financial, and relational health. We can tell the story of our support for those who have battled and are currently fighting to make it every day! We can share our decision to stand with men and their families!
Testicular Cancer is the most commonly diagnosed Cancer among males ages 15 – 34. For more information, check out The Testicular Cancer Foundation. "TCF supports families of testicular cancer patients and shares its resources with the medical and healthcare communities, schools, and various young men's groups." The mission of the TCF: "To provide support, awareness, and education about testicular Cancer."
#2 - Become Better!
I want to continue to take my advocacy to the next level. I want to become better! I want you to become better, too! A few years back, I came across the ministry known as BetterMan. BetterMan provides recourses like their "11-week group study consisting of weekly video teachings and group discussions that provide a clear definition of biblical masculinity and practical ways to make your marriage, parenting, work-life, relationship with God — everything — better."
Here is how they define a Better or Real man:
A real man courageously follows God's Word.
A real man loves and protects God's woman.
A real man excels at God's work.
A real man better God's world.
As we journey through November, I plan to highlight each of those four ways so that we all can become better! BetterMan says it this way: "A better life isn't out there; it's in you!"
Will you join in? Call, text, or email me with any questions or thoughts! Our intentional time together will matter and make a difference! See ya'll soon, TWP fam!