Widows Sons MRA - GA Roosevelt

06/01/2026

🐺The Boy Who Cried Wolf Wasn’t Killed by the Wolf…He Was Destroyed by His Own Lies 🔲🧭

In the ancient fable, a young shepherd repeatedly deceived the villagers by shouting that a wolf was attacking his flock. Each time the people rushed to help, only to discover it was a lie. But when the wolf finally came for real, nobody believed him anymore.

The sheep were lost.
Not because the wolf was strong…But because truth had already died before the danger arrived 🐏🐑

In a Masonic context, this tale carries a profound moral 💫

Freemasonry teaches that a man’s word is his bond. A Mason is expected to build his character as carefully as a master builder shapes stone...with honesty, integrity and discipline. Once a man becomes careless with truth, he weakens the very foundation of trust upon which Brotherhood stands.

The “wolf” in life is not always an animal. Sometimes it is:
• False pride
• Gossip
• Deception
• Ego
• Empty promises
• The hunger for attention

A man who constantly exaggerates, spreads rumors, or speaks falsely may eventually discover that even when he finally speaks the truth, nobody listens anymore 🔥

This is why the Masonic path emphasizes silence, restraint and sincerity. A wise Mason does not speak merely to be heard. He speaks because his words carry weight ✨

The rough ashlar represents the imperfect man...impulsive, emotional, reckless with speech. Through labor and self-mastery, the Mason transforms himself into the perfect ashlar...disciplined, reliable and trustworthy 🪨🔨

The tragedy of the shepherd boy was not simply lying. It was the destruction of credibility 🤥

And credibility, once broken, is one of the hardest stones to rebuild.

As Masons, we are reminded:
Guard your tongue.
Honor your word.
Speak truth even when no one is watching.

Because in the end, the loudest voice in the room is worthless…if nobody believes it 🔥

So mote it be!

05/31/2026

I have seen a number of times where people have done their best to link Masonry to this thing or that thing. Sometimes I will see comments from people saying that “That is not Masonry”. I want to take a moment to disagree.
Masonry is life. Yes I understand that there are Traditional Observance Lodges, and other Practices of the Craft. That is how Masonry is practiced in meetings.
What is Freemasonry really? How you live your life. Every single breath and heartbeat. How you apply the lessons taught into daily life.
I was at a church once and they had a sign above the door that said “You are now entering the mission field”. To me that was very profound. Is it any different for the Mason?
We are told to take the lessons inculcated with in the lodge out of the Lodge. To share our good graces with he world at large.
Do we sometimes fail at this task, of course we do. We are human, but that is part of the lesson. To know we are no different than those we serve and to love them just the same.
Knowledge with out milage is BS….and the highway of life has potholes and speedbumps.
I love you and may we govern ourselves accordingly

05/30/2026

So, what is a covenant, and what does it really mean?

As Masons, we enter into what could be called a covenant relationship, though perhaps not in the way many people imagine. I will not discuss the wording of those covenants except to say this: there is nothing within them that would conflict with any obligation you already hold to God, your country, your family, your neighbor, or yourself.

But what exactly is a covenant?

The word itself carries weight. A covenant is more than a simple promise. It is a sacred commitment that binds people together in a meaningful and often life-changing way. That is part of why, within Freemasonry, these obligations are given during the degree process, each one building upon the last. Every degree adds another layer of understanding and responsibility. The initiatory process is meant to change a person for the better. That is the purpose of initiation — or, as I often think of it, dedication.

At its core, a covenant is a binding agreement. The way such agreements are made may have changed over time, but they have always rested on one thing above all else: a person’s word.

Years ago, I lived in a very small farming community. Agreements between neighbors were rarely written down. There were no lawyers, contracts, or judges involved. Most arrangements were made with nothing more than a handshake. If a man gave his word, he kept it. That was how trust was built, and it was how business was done. In many ways, that spirit should still exist within Lodge today.

Covenants have always existed in both social and spiritual life. Marriage is a covenant. Handfastings and commitment ceremonies are covenants. Agreements with civil authorities and even business partnerships can carry the same idea. These relationships are built on mutual responsibility, trust, and accountability.

At this point, some may think a covenant sounds very much like a contract. In some ways, that is true. But a covenant goes deeper than a standard contract. Contracts can often be broken or dissolved with little thought beyond legal consequences. A covenant carries moral and spiritual weight. It is intended to endure. While it can be broken, doing so often leaves lasting consequences — not merely legal ones, but personal and spiritual as well.

Within Freemasonry, many believe the purpose of these covenants is simply to strengthen a man’s connection to the Lodge and the Fraternity. There is truth in that. The Brothers stand as witnesses to the obligation, and Deity is invoked to give strength and guidance when challenges arise.

But ultimately, the covenant is also made with yourself.
Yes, you speak words that countless Brothers before you have spoken, and many after you will continue to speak. Yet nothing within those obligations asks you to become less than you are. Instead, they are intended to help you become better than you were.

In truth, you are making a commitment to live according to principles you believe in. The same is true for every Brother around you. Each man has given his word to himself as the Fraternity bore witness.

That shared commitment is what creates the bond between Brothers. They care about your success because they have made the same journey. They know the weight of those promises because they carry them too. They are there to encourage, support, and help you along the way.

But no one can keep your word for you. Only you are bound by it, just as they are bound by theirs.

That is why covenants are powerful things. They should never be entered into lightly.

Because, as the poem goes: “On yonder book, that oath you took.”

I love you and may we govern ourselves accordingly

05/29/2026

🏴‍☠️THE SKULL AND BONES OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR 💀⚔️

To the unlearned, the skull is a symbol of death.
To the Templar, it was a reminder of truth 💫

The Knights Templar marched into battle carrying not only swords and banners, but also a deep understanding that life is temporary, honor is eternal and every man will one day face the Great Judgment.

Many old Templar traditions and legends speak of skulls, bones, tombs and relics. These were never meant to glorify darkness, but to teach humility. A king and a beggar become equal beneath the earth. Wealth fades. Power disappears. Only virtue, duty and faith remain 👑

This is why medieval warriors and later fraternal orders used the skull as a symbol of mortality and awakening. It whispers the ancient lesson:

“Remember that you will die…therefore live honorably.”

In the initiatic traditions connected to chivalry and Freemasonry, the skull and crossed bones became symbols of reflection, rebirth, sacrifice and the stripping away of pride. Before a man can become enlightened, he must first confront his own mortality.

The Templar knight was expected to die before surrendering his principles. Not merely a soldier…but a guardian of discipline, secrecy, loyalty and spiritual courage ✨

Even today, the image of the skull and bones continues to appear in old churches, knightly tombs, Masonic chambers and Templar symbolism across Europe. It stands not for fear…but for awakening 👁️

Because the greatest battle is not against another man. It is against ignorance, ego and the darkness within oneself ⚔️💀

So mote it be!

05/28/2026

05/27/2026

The other day I wrote about trees. How they embody the Hermetic principle of correspondence. How the tree grows both up and down at the same time.

But that tree started as a seed. Yes, I looked it up that seed is also a nut. But the magic happens when it cracks. It starts to reach out. From both with out and with in.

But there’s the true shocker and mind boggling thing. That seed can fit easily within the palm of your hand. A tree, not so much. The fruit of that seed becomes so much bigger than anyone ever thought it would.

The Oak doesn’t care about anything but a strong root and reaching the skies. This is its goal, and it achieves it.

Of course in time the oak is put to use. Makes the best furniture and lumber to build shelters (stairs, railings, etc) the lumber for the structure is normally pine and that’s a different thought for another day.

The oak is also made into barrels and used to age some of the world’s finest libations, wines, whiskies, bourbon, scotch, ales. All aiding and adding to their flavor.

So do we. We all start as a tiny seed. But, if nurtured and cared for we shall sprout. Watched to see how we grow and in proper time put to use for our designed purpose.

Btw, we are all useful and aid to our surroundings. Some times hope to be, others how not.

So Craftsman, reach for the skies, do not lose your focus…and fulfill your intended purpose for which you were created.

I love you and may we govern ourselves accordingly

05/26/2026

THE TEMPLE THAT WAS NEVER OUTSIDE

There’s a lesson many have heard…
but few have actually worked on.

In Masonry, we talk about building a Temple—
not made with hands.

Most hear that…
and still look outward.

The Lodge room.
The ritual.
The symbols.

And don’t get it wrong—those matter.
They’re the blueprint.

But they’re not the structure.

Because the real Temple?

It’s you.

Your thoughts.
Your actions.
Your character when no one’s watching.

We’re taught to square our actions…
to walk upright…
to govern our passions.

Why?

Because the work isn’t out there.

It’s within.

A lot of men spend their whole lives chasing something—
truth, purpose, meaning…

Looking for it in titles.
In recognition.
In someone else’s approval.

Meanwhile, the Craft has been pointing in one direction the entire time:

📐 Know thyself.

This isn’t about rejecting faith.
It’s not about replacing anything sacred.

It’s about understanding responsibility.

Because once you realize the work is within you…

There’s nowhere left to hide.

No excuses.
No shortcuts.
No waiting for someone else to build it for you.

The tools were placed in your hands for a reason.

🔨 To shape your rough ashlar
📐 To measure your conduct
🧱 To build something real… from the inside out

Some men stay on the surface—
memorizing words, wearing the apron…

But never stepping into the work.

Others?

They pick up the tools…
and start building.

So the question isn’t whether the Temple exists.

The question is—

Are you building it…
or just standing around admiring the plans?

👁️ Those who seek… will find
🔨 Those who work… will understand

05/25/2026

Memorial Day is more than a long weekend, a cookout, or a ride. It is a day to remember the men and women who gave everything for this country, for our freedoms, and for the lives we live today. Their sacrifice is the reason we are able to stand together as brothers, ride together in freedom, and carry on the values of loyalty, honor, and service.

As Widow’s Sons, we understand the meaning of brotherhood and the bond forged through sacrifice. Today we remember those who never made it home, those who paid the ultimate price, and the families who continue to carry that burden every day.

When you fire up your bike, hear the thunder of the road, or gather with your brothers this weekend, take a moment of silence for the fallen. Ride proud. Ride free. Ride in remembrance.

May we never forget.

Widows Sons Forever… Forever Widows Sons.

05/24/2026

The parking lot still fills on sunny days,
But something’s missing in the roar and haze.
A few old bikes still line the curb,
Still laughing loud, still flipping words.
But every now and then a silence grows,
And somebody asks…
“Where’d everybody go?”

There was a time these roads stayed hot,
Brothers riding whether ready or not.
Rain on the patches, bugs on the shield,
Miles were memories, forged in steel.
Phone calls lasted half the night,
Every man beside you would stand and fight.

We swore an oath deeper than chrome,
Said this patch would always feel like home.
Not just bar stools, parties, and noise,
But broken men becoming boys.
Finding purpose in the wind again,
Learning how to call each other friend.

Now some patches hang on garage walls,
Dust settling where laughter falls.
Some quit answering, some drifted away,
Some got too busy for another Saturday.
Life moved fast, hearts grew tired,
Dreams changed shape, passions expired.

But I still wonder when the engines hum,
Do they ever miss what we become?
Do they hear a bike and turn their head?
Do old ride routes still live instead?
Do they think about campfire smoke,
The midnight talks, the inside jokes?

Maybe some are fighting battles unseen,
Caught somewhere between life’s machines.
Maybe pride kept them from coming back,
Maybe time just knocked them off the track.
And maybe they think it’s been too long
To roll back in where they belong.

But Brotherhood ain’t measured by miles alone.
It’s measured by who still calls you home.
And somewhere beneath the rust and scars,
Beneath old cuts and forgotten bars,
There’s still a brother under that name,
Still carrying a small old flame.

So tonight I’ll raise a glass for them,
For every lost or wandering friend.
The ones who vanished, the ones who stayed,
The ones who slowly drifted away.
And if they ever hear this sound again…
There’ll still be a place beside old friends.

Because no matter how far a man may roam,
A Widows Son still knows the road back home.

05/23/2026

Brethren, look to the East, look to the West, and look at the Brother sitting next to you who has been sleeping since the opening prayer. We often hear the profound maxim: “One day, you'll be just a memory for some people. Do your best to be a good one.”

Now, as Masons, we are obsessed with memory. We spend months memorizing ritual, terrified we will substitute a "the" for an "an" and plunge the entire jurisdiction into Masonic chaos. But outside of the degree work, what kind of memory are we actually building? When you finally drop your working tools and ascend to the Grand Lodge Above, how will you be remembered in this lodge?

We are taught to divest our minds and consciences of the vices and superfluities of life. Why? Because nobody wants to remember a superfluous Brother.
If you want to be a good memory, you have to apply the Trowel. Spread the cement of brotherly love, not the gossip. If you see a younger Brother struggling through the staircase lecture, don't stare at him like a hawk eyeing a field mouse. Be the memory of the Brother who whispered good counsel, not the one who made him want to demit and join the Sparrows.

Centuries from now, the Grand Lodge archives will just be digital dust. Nobody will care if your apron was perfectly aligned. They will remember how you made them feel when they first walked through that anteroom door.

Brethren, we are all rough ashlars trying to become perfect ashlars. But remember: a perfect ashlar fits smoothly into the structure. It doesn't stick out.

Do your best to be a good memory. Be the Brother who stepped up to clear the dishes. Be the Brother who actually laughed at the Worshipful Master’s terrible jokes. Be the Brother whose memory brings a smile, not an eye-roll.

Because eventually, the Senior Deacon will conduct you to that final place where no Tyler can guard the door. And when the Secretary finally types "Deceased" next to your name in the minutes, let’s make sure the Lodge doesn’t just sigh in relief… let's make sure they genuinely miss the light you brought.

So, mote it be.

God bless brethren and may we govern ourselves accordingly.