Be the Lion!
10 Guidelines for Men to Be Real and Live Free
by
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Every problem you have is a relationship problem and a relationship solution. There is nowhere to run; there is nowhere to hide. Atoms connect the universe by molecules, systems, and numerous scientific formulas that are beyond my scope of education or understanding. However, I do understand how all of my physical and emotional issues are relational in nature. The more I respect that reality, the more the “truth sets me free” to live.
Most importantly, we were conceived in the mind of the Trinitarian God. We were designed by God, created in His image, and are a reflection of God himself.
By definition the Christian God exists in relationship as Father, Son, and Spirit. While existing as three distinct persons, they share one divine essence that is described as love (1 John 4:8). God can be love only if God exists as community. The pure love the divine persons have for each other is unconditionally given in its character. The Father gives himself for the Son, and the Son gives himself for the Father. The gift of each for the other is personified in the Spirit. And not only do they give unconditionally, they receive each other in the same manner. That is the nature of agape. It is radical giving and receiving. It is perfect communion and union. It is truly beautiful and good.
In my work with men, I have found that most are very isolated, have few friends, and do not connect on a personal level. They have “buddies”—golfing buddies, fishing buddies, and football watching buddies— but they do not have men who know them or that they know. Men have failed to get the message that relationships are critical to life. They have bought into the lie that power and strength are about how self-sufficient one can be. To need another man is to be weak. To ask for help is to be an embarrassment.
Instead of the surface relationships that so many men have with each other, the Men’s Coaching Weekend invites men to develop deep relationships by being open with one another. Men learn to listen and be curious about other men’s stories. They allow themselves to be known and care about another man. Their energy changes from an inward focus to being open to receiving` what other men can offer them in the ways of support, feedback, and guidance. I have seen men overcome all sorts of problems and failures simply because they connected deeply to other men.
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About the Book
When men get stuck in their relationships, jobs, and unwanted behaviors, they generally have no idea what to do. Most men silently struggle alone or numb themselves with excess alcohol, anger, work, or play. Be the Lion! takes men down a path of learning how to connect with other men through 10 time-tested guidelines. These “real men” strategies offer freedom from isolation, secrets, and judgment, which rob men of living their best lives. Hearing the stories of men’s lives who have been transformed by being in community with other men is inspirational and offers a game-changing paradigm for men today.
About the Author
Phil brings a missionary zeal to his work with men, couples, and families as a therapist, teacher, and leader. He is committed to presenting life-changing principles in a clear and practical format. Philip K. Hardin holds a Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy and a Master of Divinity from Reformed Theological Seminary. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and has over 25 years in private practice. He practices in both Fairhope, Alabama and Jackson, Mississippi. Phil serves as President of Business and Professional Outreach, International, a 501(C)3 non-profit organization, devoted to fostering holistic growth for men and women while emphasizing the building of community and relationships. Phil is married to Karla, who is also a Licensed Professional Counselor. He is father to two adult daughters, Audrey and Abigail, who also provide counseling and coaching as a part of Hardin Life Resources. Kris Kaase holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from North Carolina State University and is a Certified Professional Coach. He specializes in working with men who are struggling with divorce, loss, and other challenging life transitions. He was introduced to the 10 guidelines in this book in 2013 and found them to be a game changer in his life. His mission now is to help men experience being real and living free through coaching, conducting Men’s Coaching Weekends, and facilitating weekly support groups.