John's Credo

The man present where my commitment speaks the loudest is a man who seeks out men in pain to provide them with another man to be with.  He never leaves another man alone, suffering.

He is a man that, once he learns the truth about himself and about all men, will not compromise that truth.  He does crazy, illogical, inconvenient, and socially unacceptable things to keep the truth alive.  He brings joy and perspective where no joy is present.  He brings standards where standards are lacking.  He is a reminder to all around him to stand for what they know is true and not to compromise that truth.

This man also knows when to be silent and allow men to discover their own life's lessons, fight their own battles, and struggle with their demons.  But even then, this man is present with other men.  He never tells another man how to be or what to do, but encourages and inspires men to find their own way of putting their life's loves into action.  He never quits on any man.  Even those who have distanced themselves from him are present in this man's thoughts each day.

This man gathers men together from different parts of his life so they can learn from, teach, enjoy and savor each other.  He is a lunatic, unpredictable, taking risks even when afraid.  He does not doubt himself, but looks at each failure as a step on his journey.  In living this way his actions challenge men who know him to live their lives from their balls, to pursue their dreams and live their commitments.

He is always seeking to learn from other men.  He is vulnerable.  Even when he does not feel pain or grief he keeps himself in the battle, knowing that one day he will release this pain.  He invites men to participate in his life, to contribute and share in his personal struggles.

Every day this man is thankful for the gifts he has been given and recommits himself to give this source of power, clarity, purpose and compassion to other men.

John Andrew Mazie
August 1996