Convoy Systems

During WW2 more than 100 million people from 30 nations were involved in a conflict that played out in the theaters of land, air and sea.

“Men fought in almost every part of the world, on every continent except Antarctica. Chief battlegrounds included Asia, Europe, North Africa, the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and the Mediterranean Sea.” 1

One of Canada’s most significant contributions to the war effort was the British Common Wealth Air Training Plan, (BCATP). “At its height… 31,533 Allied pilots and aircrew were trained in Canada, 72,835 of which were Canadian.” 2

The fight at sea was perhaps, I think, the most critical arena. Winston Churchill, the British Prime Minister, felt that German U-boats (submarines) were the primary threat to national well-being. After all, Britain was an island and these stealthy weapons of destruction would put every merchant vessel at risk, and could have starved Britain of her life line of supplies. (I believe at that time about 160 ships were being sunk per month!)

So, how did the Allies get themselves across the Atlantic without being taken out by NAZI torpedoes? Many brilliant minds wrestled to find a solution, but in the end the answer was effective albeit simple: travel in convoys. There was safety in numbers with escorts for protection.

So why have I taken this time for a history lesson? Let me start by sharing some things I have observed and learned about the tendencies of men.

Men tend not to take better care of their health and die early from preventable and treatable illnesses. Men tend to “go it alone” especially during critical moments in their lives. Men and young men tend not to ask for help -and sometimes don’t even realize when they need it. The way I see it, men tend not to be open and honest about their feelings and struggles. The rate of suicide among men is three times higher the females. (Read more in this Global News article)

[Click here to find out how to help a friend that you’re concerned with…]

Men are like isolated supply ships traveling across the Atlantic hoping to make their destinations while under the constant torpedo threats of pornography, infidelity, addictions, health crises, depression and suicide.

But that’s a big part of the problem, isn’t it? Many times when I speak with men and young men about something they are going through and I ask, “Who else have you connected with about this?”. Invariable the answer is no one.

Do you know what I’m doing? I am assembling a convoy because I refuse to go through life without the support of my brothers, and I cannot bare to watch young men going at it alone. For me, this happening through the Genesis Man Small Group, writing blogs, recording podcasts and sharing ideas, stories, resources and support.

Additionally there are other ways as well. I have a friend who has asked me to accompany him in an accountability program called Covenant Eyes. I don’t know exactly what he is going through, but my walking with him can help him on his course around those mines that seek to destroy him.

If you need a Biblical and entirely practical analogy, well “iron sharpens iron.” (Proverbs 27:17) We have the exponential potential to be better in community.

Not to ignore mothers, wives, significant others, and friends, but you need to encourage the males in your life to be a part of a convoy. It’s not that you can’t help, but sometimes men need other men to deal with things.

Finally, men and young men out there, I’m inviting you to join a convoy, or make one. Don’t travel alone. There’s safety in numbers.

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Meet two people (Andrew & Daniel) from my convoy, listen to our discussions on fatherhood in the latest Genesis Man Project Podcast.

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Questions/ Comments/ Thoughts/ Directions?

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