Episode 61. 18:53 Working Tools Series - Fulfilling our Masonic Obligations

This week we revisit the 18:53 Working Tools Series, and confront the challenge of how to truly “be there” for each other in the crucible of life. Is it possible to make the tenets of our profession verbs (actions) as opposed to nouns (abstract words) in our daily lives? 

“The hardest lesson I’ve had to learn as an adult is the relentless need to keep going, no matter how broken I feel inside. Life doesn’t stop when we are exhausted or when our spirits feel threadbare. It keeps moving – unyielding, indifferent – demanding that we keep pace.” -EH

Transcript

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Hi again, and welcome back to Minnesota Masonic Histories and Mysteries. This episode is part of our ongoing 1853 series, in which we feature a shorter segment that doesn't exceed 18 minutes and 53 seconds. The year 1853 was the inception of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota. which was formed by pioneers who had tremendous difficulties to overcome. They were handicapped by lack of money, buildings, equipment, transportation facilities, and by both open and hidden opposition. However, their faith and courage were great. They believed in the fatherhood of God and in the principles of brotherly love, relief, and truth, and were firmly convinced that they could become better citizens and lead better lives by forming lodges where they could renew their faith in humanity and commune with friends and brothers. They formed their lodges, and others saw that they had something good and sought without being solicited to join them. This was the beginning of masonry in Minnesota. These pioneers did their work well and laid a foundation for future growth. These brothers were invested in one another, personally, professionally, and masonically. Now, it's nearly impossible for us to imagine what life was really like in those pioneer days of the 1850s. And yet, life today certainly brings a plethora of challenges and hardships. Ernest Hemingway once wrote, quote, The hardest lesson I have had to learn as an adult is the relentless need to keep going, no matter how broken I feel inside. This truth is raw, unfiltered, and painfully universal. Life doesn't stop when we are exhausted, when our hearts are shattered, or when our spirits feel threadbare. It keeps moving, unyielding, indifferent, demanding that we keep pace. there is no pause button for grief. No intermission for healing. No moment where the world gently steps aside and allows us to mend. Life expects us to carry our burdens in silence, to push forward despite the weight of all we carry inside. The cruelest part? No one really prepares us for this. As children, we are fed stories of resilience wrapped in neat, hopeful endings. Tales where pain has purpose. And every storm clears to reveal a bright horizon. But adulthood strips away those comforting illusions. It teaches us that survival is rarely poetic. More often than not, it's about showing up when you'd rather disappear. Smiling through pain no one sees and carrying on despite feeling like you're unraveling from the inside out and yet Somehow we persevere. That's the quiet miracle of being human even when life is relentless Even when hope feels distant we keep moving We stumble, we break, we fall to our knees, but we get up. And in doing so, we uncover a strength we never knew we had. We learn to comfort ourselves in the ways we wish others would. We become the voice of reassurance we once searched for. Slowly, we realize that resilience isn't always about grand acts of bravery. Sometimes, It's just a whisper, keep going. Yes, it's exhausting. Yes, it's unfair. And yes, there are days when the weight of it all feels unbearable. But every small step forward is proof that we haven't given up. That we are still fighting, still holding on, still refusing to let the darkness consume us. That quiet defiance, choosing to exist, to try, to hope, is the bravest thing we can do. We are privileged to do great things at unknown cost to ourselves. And that is what you can accomplish for Masonry. How might we all be there for one another, as friends and brothers, in this crucible of life? Being a Mason is more than merely saying all the words, or wearing the merch. There's room for all of us to make the tenets of our profession, verbs, Instead of nouns, brotherly love, relief, and truth. Alan Roberts once said, Imagine, if you will, what a wonderful difference it would make throughout the world if only those millions who have received the degrees in the craft would fulfill their obligations. An easy starting point in making the tenets of our profession verbs is making a habit of reaching out to a brother simply because he crossed your mind. remind him, as well as yourself, that no matter what he's currently going through in life, you are not alone. For the 1853 Working Tools Series, I'm Reid Endersby, and this is Minnesota Masonic Histories and Mysteries. Thanks for listening.