Frank_H_Smith
New Revert 2010
As Salamu 'ALaykum,
I had an Armenian friend in California who was from Lebanon originally. I once got tears in my eyes because I realized that he was trying to betray our friendship and I had to battle against instinct to act "Christian." He said, "Remember FACE brother." From a man living with his sister because of three failed business and being homeless.
In my own defense, I am a tough guy. I was a Sergeant in Vietnam. I serve 4 years in the military. I started Martial Arts under a World Class Instructor at the age of 13 and have practiced martial arts, often with Masters, my whole life achieving instructor status in two martial arts and brown belts in others. My son was a multiple tournament champion. I can fly a plane, skydiving was one of my hobbies, I drove coast to coast Tractor Trainer and as a master trainer of guard dogs have subdued many very large dogs (over two hundred attacks and only 8 bites). Even though I was a minister, when I wasn't a minister, I have been in numerous fights often greatly outnumbered and lost only three muggings ( one against multiple attackers, one against three attackers, and one against a man with a very large gun. I have acted courageously on more occasions than I can count. I rescued my wife from a burning van moments before it exploded. I have saved people, animals, etc. I am not bragging. This is relevant.
My Lebanese friend would often say to me when I was emotionally hurt by betrayal of friends, and tears would run down my face, "Brother, remember Face."
I have been shot. I have been in war. I had my head slit open with large belt buckles and have face individuals with guns and knives and disarmed them. I have had sever serious injuries and never showed pain.
But, when I am betrayed by friends or challenged by friends or family members it is common for me to become teary eyed. I usually attributed this to when I was a child of about 4 and my father would holler at me at the top of his lungs while standing over me not allowing me any personal space. My father was a good man, but if he drank, he would be a bully to me. Let's face it, children don't come with instruction manuals.
Once, when I wasn't living a religious life, I was challenged by the "bouncer's" martial arts instructed. I was trying to joke my way out when he said that I didn't have a choice. I scarred his face severely for life (he attended my son's tournament 12 years later and still had horrific scars over his face.) and injured several of his bones and joints as well as giving him a concussion.
Here, finally, is my question Is it a loss of face to show emotional pain caused by betrayal, frustration, and hopelessness? I can deal with physical pain. But, as long as one acts honorably is tears in the eyes of loss of face.
I am not proud of the fights and battles, but they are as much a part of my past as my ordination, university education, and kindnesses and charity.
I had an Armenian friend in California who was from Lebanon originally. I once got tears in my eyes because I realized that he was trying to betray our friendship and I had to battle against instinct to act "Christian." He said, "Remember FACE brother." From a man living with his sister because of three failed business and being homeless.
In my own defense, I am a tough guy. I was a Sergeant in Vietnam. I serve 4 years in the military. I started Martial Arts under a World Class Instructor at the age of 13 and have practiced martial arts, often with Masters, my whole life achieving instructor status in two martial arts and brown belts in others. My son was a multiple tournament champion. I can fly a plane, skydiving was one of my hobbies, I drove coast to coast Tractor Trainer and as a master trainer of guard dogs have subdued many very large dogs (over two hundred attacks and only 8 bites). Even though I was a minister, when I wasn't a minister, I have been in numerous fights often greatly outnumbered and lost only three muggings ( one against multiple attackers, one against three attackers, and one against a man with a very large gun. I have acted courageously on more occasions than I can count. I rescued my wife from a burning van moments before it exploded. I have saved people, animals, etc. I am not bragging. This is relevant.
My Lebanese friend would often say to me when I was emotionally hurt by betrayal of friends, and tears would run down my face, "Brother, remember Face."
I have been shot. I have been in war. I had my head slit open with large belt buckles and have face individuals with guns and knives and disarmed them. I have had sever serious injuries and never showed pain.
But, when I am betrayed by friends or challenged by friends or family members it is common for me to become teary eyed. I usually attributed this to when I was a child of about 4 and my father would holler at me at the top of his lungs while standing over me not allowing me any personal space. My father was a good man, but if he drank, he would be a bully to me. Let's face it, children don't come with instruction manuals.
Once, when I wasn't living a religious life, I was challenged by the "bouncer's" martial arts instructed. I was trying to joke my way out when he said that I didn't have a choice. I scarred his face severely for life (he attended my son's tournament 12 years later and still had horrific scars over his face.) and injured several of his bones and joints as well as giving him a concussion.
Here, finally, is my question Is it a loss of face to show emotional pain caused by betrayal, frustration, and hopelessness? I can deal with physical pain. But, as long as one acts honorably is tears in the eyes of loss of face.
I am not proud of the fights and battles, but they are as much a part of my past as my ordination, university education, and kindnesses and charity.
