Brotherhood? Brotherly Love? Whaaaaat?

Oh Grasshopper,

I haven’t heard from any  Flyfishers at the Crossing members in some time.  Hidden in your caves this virus must have you?  This rumor I will respond to – to put your mind at ease.

Have you not heard me say, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another”?  On the water brotherhood can not be fully made.  One must open up his heart to feel the true brotherhood.  Needing other men in life – men close to you – you must have.

Having a brother is more than having a friend. Haven’t you heard me say, “A friend loves at all times, a brother is born for time of adversity.”

What is happening with the Flyfishers at the Crossing you ask. Leaders of your brotherhood are talking of this of which you speak – small groups.  I hear rumors too that something is in the making. My concern is many of you may not take this opportunity. Many may be afraid to go deeper in brotherhood as though they are hiding something.

I will leave you with this to think about. “Though one brother may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken”

This rumor of small groups getting together and gaining strength from each other sounds like a great idea. When I  joined FATC it was because I was looking to become involved with others, not only to learn fly fishing skills but to meet new friends and to get involved with the community. Everything was falling in place. I have met new friends and have become more involved in community service. The fly fishing part has become a passion in my live that I desire to do as long as I can.
Then along comes Covid and brings life to a screeching halt. Not really to a halt but it did cautiously slow us down. The momentum came to a crawl. Sure I was able to fish and still developed new friends and that has been great. But we need the fellowship and community service  to return so that we can feel the fulfillment that provides. The small group gatherings can be a big part of the bonding that is needed for a fellowship to survive the restrictions we live under. I’m not really providing any ideas or suggestions for any gatherings but I do have concerns of how we can make it work for the good of all involved. I am a strong believer in God and all that he does for us.

I like where this is going. I am a strong believer in balanced living, and I’ll be the first to say my spiritual side could use some work.  I am in.

I think Sensei had some very wise things to say about brotherhood, growth and the power of small group studies. I know I have been very blessed by participating in the small group studies.

In fact, Sensei’s comments reminded me of a quote that legendary coach, John Wooden once used: “You will be the same person in five years as you are today except for the people you meet and the books you read.”

It’s wise to ask yourself, what am I reading (besides some magazines) and what am I doing to meet and get to better know other guys?

BTW…Here’s another apropos John Wooden quote, “Learn as if you were going to live forever, and live as if you were going to die tomorrow.”

Wise words of Sensei and Friar Muck. Thanks for sharing the rumor Kenny…Brotherhood groups sounds very SIGNIFICANT! Who’s significant in your life? Who’s up to get into a FATC group study?

I’m ready to learn how to get to know my creator better.

Tightlines & Significants.
Mike O.

PS…we need a SIGNIFICANT Fly!?!?