Author: Rich Gorecki

I recently stumbled across a few articles that suggested the world needs more Renaissance Men. This caused me to pause and reflect on what that actually means for guys today. As I read further on the topic though, I saw a parallel with God Buddies: becoming a Renaissance Man will help you become a better man. Let me explain by starting with a definition. Renaissance Man Defined The phrase “Renaissance Man” evolved out of the Renaissance era, a period throughout the 14th and 16th centuries in which there was a flourishing of the arts, sciences, learning, and philosophy. The term was most often used to reference some of the most talented artists, inventors, scientists, and thinkers of that time period, like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, William Shakespeare, William Byrd, Dante, Nicolaus Copernicus, Galileo Galilei, and Rene Descartes. Here is how Wikipedia describes it: The terms Renaissance Man and, less commonly,

I am white and I am privileged.  I also did not understand what that meant until recently. Over the weekend, I decided to change my plans for posts leading up to Father’s Day due to the killings of George Floyd, Brionna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and others. My desire to understand all of the reasons for the protests took on higher importance since peaceful gatherings in the town where I live, turned violent leading to broken storefront windows, looting, and vandalism. Like many white people, I did not think racism affected me because I am not a person of color. I also do not see my “whiteness” as my racial identity. Like many, I am sickened that a white police officer would allegedly murder a black man in what one person called a “modern-day lynching”.  It is heartwarming though to see people of all ages, races, genders, and religions rightfully protesting.

This two-part series about marriage began with a list of the lessons that I have learned in my 37 years of marriage which my wife, Cyndi, and I recently celebrated.  In the first post, I detailed three lessons that are more traditional or secular in nature. I conclude now with the remaining 3, which are more internal and biblical.   First, let me recap and categorize the lessons for you: External (Traditional) Companionship Offset Loneliness Provision (Security) and Support Sex for Intimacy and Procreation (and Avoiding Temptation) Internal (Biblical) Character Refinement and Holiness Self-sacrifice / Servant Leadership  Love and Respect  In my opinion, this second set contains the hardest lessons since they will reveal your inner weaknesses that need the most work… at least those did for me!  So let’s go over the second set. Character Refinement and Holiness Many men jokingly say that “they married up” to denote that they