There is a parable in which a Cherokee chief shares a story with his grandson.
“My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all. One is evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other is good. It is joy, peace love, hope serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.”
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked, “Which wolf wins?”
The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one that you feed.”
Last month, the speakers at the Men IN Action breakfast illustrated the voice we need to listen to, the wolf we need to feed. They showed us the courage, strength and vulnerability required by men today to speak up when there is an opportunity to lead and to make a difference in the lives of the men, women, and children who share this journey of life with us.
Justin White reminded us that we may end up traveling roads we did not intend to take. He reminded us that we have a choice and that our choices have consequences. When we face these challenges, we gain strength when we ask for help.
Kent Wright demanded that we accept responsibility as men. He encouraged us to reject passivity at that spiritual edge where it has become commonplace for men to keep their mouths shut rather than leading or standing up for what is right.
Andy Dix requested that we invest in future generations. Andy urged us to emphasize and integrate Christian values into our work lives and to eliminate the lines that previously doubted the role of Christianity at work.
Which voice will you listen to today? Which wolf will you feed?
Mike Tinder
2019 Breakfast Emcee
A Man IN Action
P.S. Men IN Action READ is coming up in March but it’s not too early to learn more and register. Click here for more info and to sign up.
