For those who believe in the power of agreement and prayer I would like to extent an opportunity to make your prayer request known in the contact box. I was talking to a gentlemen at church the other day about men issues who appeared to be reluctant to discuss his personal issues but asked the question, is there opportunity on balancedmen.com for men to request prayer. I had not thought of that, so I said to myself that’s a good idea. I know as an Uber driving I am given many opportunities to pray for individuals while getting them to their destination. Just the other day a gentleman from Europe requested a ride and discussed his anxiety around social media and how it prevents or hinders intimacy in relationships when trying to get to know women. He states he has interacted with a number of women on line and believe they are not so interested in him if he’s not up to speed on social media, face book twitter and dating sites etc. He states most women won’t meet in person because of the convenience of social media and safety reasons. He was a younger gentleman, nevertheless believed social media is a barrier and prevents authentic relationships; which caused much anxiety and frustration for him; So much so that he asked me for prayer. I could see that he was sincere from the expression on his face. I prayed for him before he got out the car. He thanked me and we went our separate ways. You never know what situations and circumstances are plaguing individuals in our ever changing technological world. Its important for our mental health as well as over all well being as men. We benefit from discussing our feelings and concerns with each other, so we can experience the best life has to offer.
Passenger Journal (stage four cancer)
Recently, I transported a gentleman diagnosed with stage four cancer. I get in front of his place of residence and wait for at least four minutes. As an Uber driver we are only required to wait about three minutes. Myself, if you are not visible by then and are not answering your phone I cancel the trip. An African American man suddenly appear out the door, I will just call him Bob, disheveled appearing as though he is having trouble dressing himself. He asked me for more time. I said ok. He returns back inside and come out smoking a cigarette. Then he begin to talk about his condition; stage four cancer. “The Doctors have given me an expiration date he says.” No more than a year maybe more. Typically, if the opportunity presents itself when I hear something like this from passengers I minister to folks my experience with my faith and healing. Not proselytize just testimony. If you respond I pray for you. If not its ok. Well he did not respond. His words were “It is what it is.” He accepted the diagnoses and fate whole heartedly it seemed. I don’t know that for sure that’s what he said. I like to accept folks for where they are and respect them from where they are in life. Not force something on them that they don’t want. Often men are too proud, feel guilty for what ever reason, or don’t want to appear weak, settled deep in depression unconsciously.
Passenger Journal
I have decided to journal my passenger experiences to convey the message and purpose of this site. Today I had the wonderful privilege of transporting an elderly woman from Minneapolis to Anoka, Minnesota. She was about 72/yrs old. How do I know because she told me so. She was on a cane, a little wobbly so I got out of the car and opened the front door of the vehicle to assist her and ask her preference front or back seat. She said it did not matter, so I decided to place her in the front since she was all ready near the front door. Often when passengers approach my Uber vehicle they automatically reach for the back door like its a cab. I prefer passengers get in the front since its ride share, its more up close and personal. The other reason is I like to talk. Anyway she took her time getting in the vehicle, placing her things in first with her cane. She began to talk to me about her car breaking down and how she was waiting for her son to purchase her a new car. She began to talk also about working as a special needs school bus driver for thirty years. She stated she really enjoyed that type of work. She then began to talk about her diseased husband. She mentioned his health issues through out his life and how she took care of him to the very end of his life. She quoted a marriage vow that so many of us know; “In sickness and health till death do us part.” She spoke about how he was resistant to the idea of keeping up with his health. He battled alcoholism, which she believes led up to his eventual health issues. Eventually he had a triple bi-pass surgery, then a sudden massive heart attack five years ago. The conversation we had help me to realize how important it is for men to be aware of their health and open to facilitate change. These stories, educating individuals is the reason its important to spread the word about being aware of different aspects of our being. We resist change often when we don’t UNDERSTAND how our behavior not only effect us but it also effect the people we love as well.