The Iron 8

On this Memorial Day, there is one warrior squad that won’t be memorialized: The Iron 8. They are an elite, ironclad team who battles for the souls of men, each other and their families. They are proud men who choose to humble themselves in order to serve others. They make no beef about their rough edges, but support each other when one falls.

Together they stand, brought together by a lifelong resounding motto: As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

This elite team has never lost a war, though many battles have been won and others lost. With each successful battle comes a victory worthy of praise and each loss brings about a silent victory of deep heartfelt growth. In all cases they stand together, as a standard for other men to witness and take strength.

Their power is substantial, as their general has defeated death itself. Yet, in all their power, they choose gentleness (power under control) in encouraging others. They freely admit their sins and failures and readily accept the forgiveness graciously given to them. It is with their marred lives, that they enter every battle with victory in their sights.

Their formations are strategic as they get on their knees to pray for family members, friends and their enemies. Their boldness is not hindered by the liberal feminine culture, but by choice they graciously empower the women around them with love and respect.

Here is a glimpse of who these men are in all their humanity…

The Prez or sometimes humorously referred to as El Grande Heffe is gifted with organization skills that helps keep the men focused. Using humor, the Prez keeps the men on task toward their end goal of blessing others. He is also a man who desires deep un-quenching love and is thankful to be a part of a team whose love is unconditional.

Mr. Balance, also known as the X-Speller (encouraging the men to reject bad thinking), brings perspective to the team when facing a dilemma. His psychological profile allows him to subtly suggest directions of good mental health and emotional security for the men. In return, he desires accountability for his own issues as he works hard to over come the struggles he faces in the physical realm.

Harpo is the computer geek with access to top-secret government systems. His morals alone help keep this country safe and are encouraged by the rest of the team. Harpo demands respect and while he readily earns it with his abilities and skills, the team gives it to him unconditionally.

The Man is a man’s man who works a contractor’s life. He believes strongly in family and earning ones keep. While he won’t be found at elegant events, his heart pours forth greater treasures than most could achieve in a lifetime. And, in true man fashion he struggles finding the right words to share, but overcomes it with his big heart.

The Messenger or the Mouth seems to always have something to say about everything. His words of wisdom and knowledge help the team face difficulties they’ve never faced, but tire them when his words seem to never end. He struggles to be still, as he has many facets in life needing to be shared.

Chico is a man of generosity. He opens his Gazebo for secret meetings and offers any of his equipment for the task at hand. While his speech isn’t eloquent, his words are powerful and always encouraging. He struggles at sharing the depths that is within his soul in groups, but one-on-one he dives deep into relationship.

Pops is the man gaining the greatest respect from the team due to his unswerving nature of standing for what is right no matter what the cost. His humble perspective in life gives way to a generous and practical spirit that all men long for. Being confident in his manhood, he has no problem shedding compassionate tears.

The Preacher, more humorously known as Tiny, finds ways to bring the men’s focus back to the Lord, as a true minister does. His enthusiasm for the word of God is contagious and drives the team to hunger for their daily devotional time. His passion ignites the team toward greatness, but leaves him feeling insignificant or unworthy. The team surrounds him with love to help lift his self-esteem.

These are the men of the Iron 8, whose very human and sacrificial lives make a difference in our communities one person at a time. They are the 21st century Saints of God, a remnant who stand to preserve eight precious treasures: The things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy.

Is it time for you to do the same?