Was there ever a time that you second guessed your descission of becomeing a Freemason ? And on that note why do you continue on ? Myself ,have never second guessed my descission . But my enthusiasm had diminished ,but only for a short time . As for why I continue is because I love the Brotherhood , it's great to know that if I am in need there will be a Brother there for me as I would be for them . Also , I love the symbolism and allegorical teachings of the degrees and the ritual work itself .
I've never second guessed becoming a Mason. I've always searched for something more noble than the morales society portrayed by tv. I joined the military with knightly images in my head and was greatly disappointed by what I found. Masonry has never disappointed me and the more involved I get the more I love it.
Myself, I've never had second thoughts about becoming a mason, The best of a man, can only be made better by it. I would hope that all who enter will feel the same.
Sadly ,I know a few who have regretted joining , because of what was going on in their lodge . Most of their lodge members were big into the York , Scottish Rite , and Shrine . They liked using that ol' "I'm a higher degree than you " garbage . They only wanted white hats, KYCH's and even Past Potentates in their chair line and this was pushing those those who chose to be in the Blue Lodge only out of the running for officers .And as everyone knows , or should know , there is nothing is higher than a Master Mason and yet sadly I think some forgets that . They demitted and petitioned for affiliation in my lodge because we don't care if your a 33rd , KYCH , or a past potentate , the only thing that matters to us is if you are a Master Mason . The only way you will get special recognition in my lodge is if you are a Grand Lodge/Past GL officer , DDGM or on a Grand Lodge committee .
Sadly for me Ashlar, I have seen those wearing the Purple collars and aprons, corrupted by their office / title. There is nothing worse than observing such actions by those who are supposed to be "Grand" material.
I know what you mean . Living right across the boarder from WVa . I sit in lodge regularly with our brethren there and their GL is in a sad state of affairs as many already know . But seeing that I am not a WVa Mason , I don't have a dog in that fight , I can only set back and watch disdainfully at the events transpiring there .
others might I've had some of that blarny tossed around my kitchen table in regaurd to the whole biger rings, and more power stuff. It only fans the ideas that may foster foolish thinking by those who have never set foot in a lodge at all. In the everyday world, you have people who thrive and strive for more. They want the big office, they have a large income, they may be mayor or a general. But I'd say that no matter what those types of men do in life, they are in it with both feet and that's just how they are. "American's love a winner" if you will. But to the people who don't know have it backwards and perseve that the other big titles are derived from the Masonic ones and that, we know, is simply not the case. (chicken vs egg if you will) So in some ways, the bigger higher man perseption, has lead people to feel that my choice of being in the lodge...has been a missguided one. I know that the lodge has no such cabal of men, cloked in dark,smoke filled rooms or the other foolish thinking that comes from such ideas... But some people in my life don't understand the ideas behind having extra branches of the group. so they fear what they do not understand. But it's my life in the end eh?
There are times when my perception of how a Mason should act is challenged, but that is about it. I've met some really good people, learned a lot, and in the case of the Shrine helped more. If the Blue Lodge politics ever get too much I take a break and visit the Shrine or SR and it renews me. How you will define that is up to you, but I have never regretted my decision, except I wish I could have done it sooner.
I've never had any regrets being a Mason... As for regretting my joining "Freemasonry?" Only when I run into Ruffians.
Ah but Coach someone with your eye should be able to spot those ruff ones and then use them as symbols of greed, laziness, apathy and so forth. From there they become the ones with which we practice our temperance. As for me only when I got home and my wife wanted a full detailing and when I said no called us a "gay cult". I thought after reading all the anti stuff that when I ran into "holy-rollers" I would be belittled and bashed. Turns out it gives me a chance to spread a little light to the ignorant and I've even had a pastor ask me questions because he trusted me to answer truthfully and now has a favorable opinion of us. Which when asked he will relay to an inquiring member of his congregation.
never ever second guessed my decision to become a Mason. I'm a very proud Mason and dedicated to the Fraternity and the Craft. I am strengthened through our fellowship and enlightened through our work.
I have never seconded-guessed my decision to become a Mason, the only thing I regret is not having done it earlier in my life (I wasn't ready yet). I really enjoy all the men I have become friends with and all the things I have learned.
So true. I get some of my BEST material from these posers. I couldn't get any better material if I paid for it.
No regrets. Ever. If my life comes into contact with people or places that have no love for the Craft, then they are replaced. I have family members who do not like the Order so they are no part of my life. If I had a job that did not agree with my membership, I would find a new job. If my religion had an issue with my being a Mason, I would find a new religion. For me, it's that simple. I guess I'm kind of a zealot! LOL I am a Born Again Fundamental Freemason.
Flips through Masonic desktop dictionary (the visual works better this way), Q,T,:flip:,V,X,Y,Z, zealot, :flip:,zealot..., zealot..., Zarf (ZARF?), :flip:,:flip:,:flip:,:flip:, Zealand, Zealless, ZEALOT!!! Yup, your picture is there! ::See?::
When I applied, I got a phone call from a PGM within 2 days, then nothing for 2 months, then a phone call from a lodge PM and a visit to the lodge, then nothing for 2 month. The investigative committee meeting 2 month after that, then nothing for two month. then a letter 3 days before I was suppose to be at lodge for my first degree. I know there may be a new candidate process, but I felt like I was left hanging and made me wonder if I was getting into something I may be regretting later. I second guess briefly but I decided to go thru with it and Im happy so far. Have alot to learn now.
