Archive for July 2009

The recent news story regarding the arrest of Black Harvard Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. in his own home by a White police officer added to an internal discussion I’ve been having regarding the distinction between true masculinity and false. I am not taking sides in this issue. Rather, this regrettable incident teaches me why I must cultivate true masculinity. How we react under pressure or humiliating circumstances reveals the sort of masculinity we possess. False masculinity is like fool’s gold. Literal fool’s gold (or pyrite) is far more common than real gold and can fool the inexperienced eye. It has none of the value or qualities of real gold. And so it is with false masculinity. It can appear to be genuine, and is far more common than true masculinity. However, when put to the test, false masculinity disappoints, offering no real value to its owner.

As a target of directed energy weapons torture and “gang stalking,” I am constantly and willfully provoked. The objective of this organized and sustained psychological attack is to lure me into self-destructive behavior. Therefore, losing control or engaging in abusive behavior is not an option. Any concept of masculinity that promotes that option must be soundly rejected as false. Knowing the difference between true masculinity and false is critical to my survival and success.

How common it is today to see individuals imbued with authority mistreating those they consider inferior! Many have the notion that a real man must be “tough,” answering any perceived insult or slight with swift retribution. Such individuals are inflexible, and will often reject any truth or evidence that proves their cherished stereotypes or perceptions to be false. They believe that a “show of force” is the only solution to every problem they face. They consider admitting a mistake a sign of weakness. They put the preservation of their own ego or self-importance ahead of the needs of others. How much misery the world has suffered at the hands of the powerful acting out of false masculinity!

Contrast that with the marvelous example of true masculinity demonstrated by Jesus Christ as a man on earth. He was the Son of God, and as such was truly superior to the people he came to earth to help. Yet, he never looked down on common men. Rather, he treated sinful, imperfect humans of all sorts with dignity. Unlike Jesus, the Jewish religious leaders of his day despised common folk, using the Hebrew term “Amhaarets” (people of the dirt, accursed) to describe them. They had even less respect for women, considering them to be untrustworthy and devious. What a refreshing and courageous contrast Jesus provided to the common notions of masculinity in that day! In addition, Jesus exercised exemplary self-control under provocation or humiliating circumstances. Although he held great authority and power, he never abused it in an effort to retaliate against his enemies. His enemies could never provoke him into losing self-control. What extraordinary masculinity!

Here are two events that demonstrate the true masculinity of Jesus.  The first reveals his behavior toward those normally considered inferior by the powerful men of that day. The second shows his exemplary self-restraint under humiliating circumstances.

One day Jesus was walking with his disciples to attend an important engagement, followed by a large crowd. Among that crowd is a poor woman, making her way towards Jesus as inconspicuously as possible. That woman has suffered from a humiliating medical condition for 12 long years: a flow of blood. Such a running discharge of blood was not only embarrassing, it also rendered her unclean under the Mosaic law. Anyone touching her, or her garments, was required by law to wash and be unclean until the evening. She had no business, some would argue, even being near that crowd in her condition. Yet, she was determined to touch the garment of Jesus. Out of faith, she was convinced that by doing so she would be healed of her distressing condition. Working her way through the crowd, she quietly approaches and touches the hem of Jesus garment from behind. Immediately, she senses that the flow of blood has dried up. She is healed!

“Who was it that touched me?” Jesus asked. How shocked the woman must have been to hear that question! How could he know that she touched him with such a large crowd hemming him in? Jesus disciple Peter, being close by, wondered why Jesus asked that question: “The crowds . . . are closely pressing you, and do you say, “Who touched me?” Looking around for the woman, Jesus explains: “Someone touched me, for I perceived that power went out of me.” Healing others draws on Jesus vitality so he knew that a brief touch had resulted in someone being cured.

The woman, with great fear and trembling, comes and falls down before Jesus. With the entire crowd looking on, she tells Jesus the whole truth about her illness and how she had just been cured. Imagine the shame she felt in revealing her affliction in public!  Did Jesus respond to her with the same low regard for the poor and women as the religious leaders of his day? Did he become annoyed, perhaps even angry at the inconvenience she caused him? Did he think: “I’m an important man, how dare she touch me in her condition!” Was he inflexible, rebuking her for this violation of the law, thereby adding to her humiliation? Not at all! In his response, Jesus demonstrates true masculinity.

Moved by her confession, and taking into consideration the extreme distress that caused her to break the law, Jesus comforts her: “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be in good health from your grievous sickness.” Jesus displayed, not annoyance, or an inflexible application of law. Rather, his compassion and understanding was an expression of true masculinity. It is also noteworthy that he accorded this woman an audience and dignity rare in the culture of that day.

Can we see the difference between true masculinity and false in this account? Do we have the tendency to be merciless and condescending toward those considered inferior to us? Do we denigrate others to make ourselves appear to be more important or powerful? Do we put ego and personal pride above the needs of others, including the lowly? Jesus Christ’s personality was refreshingly free of these abusive traits. In that, he serves as the finest example of true masculinity that has walked the earth. —Matthew 9:18-22, Mark 5:21-34, Luke 8:40-48

Here is the second account: Jesus Christ knows that his cruel and unjust death was only hours away.  However, he was focused on equipping his disciples to cope with the trials that lay ahead for them. To that end, he focused his energies on teaching them. One such lesson was taught by example when Jesus, although being their Teacher and Master, girded a towel and proceeded to wash the feet of each of his disciples. (John 13:3-5) This menial task was usually reserved for the lowliest servant in Jewish households of the day. However, by performing this humble act, Jesus wanted to stress by example that his disciples must willingly serve others, not “lord it over” people as was common among political leaders. In this Jesus demonstrated a facet of true masculinity: humbly putting the interests of others ahead of his own.

The Bible account indicates that Jesus washed the feet of all twelve of his disciples in attendance, including Judas Iscariot, his betrayer. Amazingly, Jesus was well aware that Judas was secretly plotting his murder! —John 13:2 Yet, he calmly washed his feet along with the others. We know that Jesus was a man of deep feelings. Can you imagine how being so close to the man who would betray him to murderers affected his emotions? How would you feel in this situation? Yet, Jesus calmly performed this humble act, without revealing what he knew to the other disciples, or allowing his emotions to get the better of him.

It is this singular act, washing the feet of a wicked betrayer that reveals to me the sterling quality of masculinity found in Jesus. Why did he do it? Jesus, by example, remained obedient to two commands that must be complied with by every Christian man today: “Love your enemies,” (Luke 6:27) and, leave vengeance in the hands of God. (Romans 12:19) With extraordinary humility and restraint, Jesus remained obedient, not allowing his emotions to rule his actions; evidence of genuine masculinity. —Philippians 2:3,4 Also, by calmly submitting to the injustice and abuse he would suffer, he was able to provide outstanding benefits for all true Christians down to this day.

This account is one I often bring to mind. How impressive!  Jesus could calmly interact with the man who plotted his murder, even extending kindness while exercising exemplary restraint.  How can I imitate this facet of true masculinity? Well, I am often in the company of individuals seeking to provoke, harass, mock and mislead me. “Gang stalking” is form of constant psychological aggression. In my case, the greatest good can only be accomplished by calmly treating all with dignity and restraint, even those who mean me harm. If I gave in to anger and retaliated, I would not be working in my best long-term self interests. Nor would I as a Christian, be obedient to God.  Cultivating true masculinity like Jesus, is a powerful aid in this regard, don’t you agree?

I write this, not to counsel others, but to remind myself of the need to continue cultivating true masculinity. The so-called ‘toughness’, stubbornness, arrogance and cruelty seen in so many today does not solve problems. It engenders a prideful disregard for the plight of others, especially those we may view as inferior. As a long-term victim of directed energy weapons torture, and ‘gang-stalking,’ I see it every day. This false masculinity drives much of the abuse I ( and perhaps many others) undergo. Sadly, many women mimic this undesirable trait as well. Like fools’ gold, many are duped by counterfeit masculinity and strip themselves of self-worth by adopting it.

In deciding how to handle provocative and humiliating encounters, I have had to take a close look at the concept of true masculinity vs false. True masculinity is best seen when interacting with those we may consider inferior or subject to us in some way. How we treat such ones reveal what we are at heart. True masculinity never tramples the rights of others. The truly masculine can endure humiliation and provocation with patience and restraint. Indeed, the qualities inherent in true masculinity are worthy of imitation by both men and women.

To the extent that I cultivate true masculinity, I can successfully cope with the daily indignities that I face. It is a source of strength, and helps me to avoid the emotional responses that can lead to disaster. Above all, I glorify my Heavenly Father, the finest example and source of true masculinity.

At a business seminar on human relationships, the speaker told of a hospital ward filled with orphaned babies. In a long row of beds, the babies became ill and some of them died—except the baby in the last bed. It did well. The doctor was puzzled. All were fed, bathed, kept warm—no difference in their care. Yet only the baby in the last bed thrived. As months passed and new babies were brought in, the story was always the same: Only the baby in the last bed did well.

Finally the doctor concealed himself to watch. At midnight the cleaning woman came in and on hands and knees scrubbed the floor, from one end to the other. The floor finished, she stood up, stretched, rubbed her back. Then she went to the last bed, picked up the baby, walked around the room with it, cuddling it, talking to it, rocking it in her arms. She put it back in its bed and left. The doctor watched the next night, and the next. Each night the same thing happened. It was always the baby in the last bed that got picked up, cuddled, talked to, and loved. And in all the new groups of babies brought in, it was always the baby in the last bed that thrived, while the others got sick and some died.

This true experience highlights the fact that love is our greatest need. Babies die without it. The elderly waste away for lack of it. Illness flourishes in its absence. Humans thrive mentally and physically in loving environments. Dr. Claude A. Frazier warned that if our technological society is not humanized by love, “the alternative, as we can now surely comprehend, is a nation of cities turned into jungles of hate . . .”

Those who are currently innocent victims of long-term directed energy weapons torture and psychological attacks would probably agree that our cities are already “jungles of hate.” The loss of civility and neighborliness that afflicts our culture is a breeding ground for fast-growing cancers of covert hostility. These cruel programs create psychological isolation intended to mentally unbalance its victims. Humans are gregarious by nature, and need an interchange of feelings. We need to feel that we are valued by others. If we become convinced that we are unworthy of love because of years of psychological abuse, we suffer, both mentally and physically.

How can we protect ourselves and counter such emotionally destructive attacks? A clue is found in the words of Jesus Christ: “Practice giving, and people will give to you. They will pour into your laps a fine measure, pressed down, shaken together and overflowing. For with the measure that you are measuring out, they will measure out to you in return.” —Luke 6:38

In other words, to receive love, we must “practice giving” love. Exercise it as you would a muscle. Make it grow, increase, until it fills you, becomes you. Then prove it’s alive by your loving works. Yes, when we sow love, we reap it in turn! However, what if many of the individuals around us remain hostile toward us? Does this make our efforts to show love and kindness futile? Absolutely not! “There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.” —Acts 20:35 It is our pattern of showing love that produces greater happiness. Even if some will not or cannot reciprocate, our efforts to show love produce a rich reward.

There is no better example of this than God himself. “He makes his sun rise upon wicked people and good and makes it rain upon righteous people and unrighteous.” (Matthew 5:45) Yes, our “Happy” God (1Ti 1:11) shows love both to people who appreciate him and to those who do not.

I have found that making the effort to be friendly under all circumstances and to all sorts of people lifts my spirits and protects my self-esteem. It neutralizes the hatred that surrounds me. It requires effort and mental discipline to avoid slipping into the corrosive attitudes that surround me. However, it is truly worth the effort. I thrive to the extent that I practice love and kindness in my dealings with others.

Exercising love is much like a bodybuilder who uses a weight to train his muscles. Repetitively lifting that weight or burden makes him stronger. Likewise, using the ‘burden’ of adversity we face as an opportunity to exercise love will make us stronger and happier!

the bird catcher

I am often reminded through my study of the Bible that there “is nothing new under the sun.” Technology has advanced, but the methods used to cunningly trap the unwary and innocent have not. One such lesson is found in an illustrative term used to describe Satan the Devil at Psalm 91:3. It states: “[Jehovah] himself will deliver you from the trap of the birdcatcher.” In this scripture, Satan the Devil is likened to a birdcatcher. What is it about a birdcatcher that is also characteristic of Satan, the source of so much evil today? And how do humans intent on trapping others imitate the crafty acts of Satan?

Well, the birdcatcher in ancient times captured birds for their beautiful singing, colorful plumage, and for food and sacrifice. They captured a variety of birds. Birds are cautious and skittish by nature, and difficult to trap. Therefore, the birdcatcher would first carefully study the type of bird he wished to ensnare, noting its peculiarities and habits. From his observations, he would learn much that would enable him to devise the most cunning method for ensnaring that type of bird.

Satan the Devil is like a birdcatcher in that he studies us as humans. He carefully notes our habits and characteristics and sets hidden traps in an attempt to catch us alive. He seeks to subvert the faith of true Christians, leading to their spiritual downfall.

Well, humans today have learned well from the master in this regard. The 24 hour surveillance that victims of directed energy weapons torture and community policing supported “gang stalking” undergo follows the methods of the ultimate “birdcatcher,” Satan the Devil. The intent of this invasive, and insidious non-stop surveillance is not a search for truth and justice. Rather, its victims are being carefully studied for any weaknesses, habits, and peculiarities that can be exploited by covert operatives. The intent is to crush self-esteem, humiliate, provoke and mentally unbalance, leading ultimately to the destruction of the victim’s life.

By their observations, human ‘birdcatchers’ have discerned the normal human desire we all have for acceptance and approval by others. It is normal for us to be concerned what others think about us. Therefore, human ‘birdcatchers’ seek to exploit this common trait of humans by manipulating the attitudes of those who surround us. When our neighbors, workmates, friends and relatives are conditioned to be hostile and suspicious toward us, we can become mentally unbalanced. In fact, we can become so distressed, that we can be pressured into saying and doing things we would normally consider wrong or immoral. That intent, to corrupt and subvert, fuels the invasive, non-stop surveillance and hostility that victims of directed energy weapons and ongoing campaigns of ‘gang-stalking’ endure. This is not about justice, it is fundamental coercion and entrapment. Ultimately, it becomes a means of covertly destroying the lives of the victimized while hiding behind the law.

Yes, as stated earlier, this methodology is not new. According to the Bible, a superintelligent and powerful spirit creature, Satan the Devil did it first. For me, sticking to the wise counsel of the Almighty One who warns us about the ‘birdcatcher’ has helped me to avoid becoming his prey.

“[Jehovah] himself will deliver you from the trap of the birdcatcher.” —PSALM 91:3

The efforts of covert agents employed to destroy and isolate me becoming more intense, and may well result in severe hardship, or my demise. It is astounding that our government spends so much energy in developing programs that inflict great suffering on innocent victims and then compounds it by ruining their lives to silence them. However, I have this one unflinching confidence: Nothing that man can do, no matter how egregious, cannot be undone by Jehovah God. “With someone loyal you (God) will act in loyalty” —2 Samuel 22:26

The roles of individuals in my work, play and religious environments have been increasingly corrupted by government agents who slowly manipulate events to bring about my financial ruin and isolation from family and friends. That may sound hard to believe to some. However, if anyone has taken the time to read my account, it may not be so difficult to fathom. Secrecy and the “keeping of face” by these agencies is a key component of their success. Life is cheap, nothing more than ‘collateral’ that serves as a minor cost of doing business. Just as the events in my life have been manipulated until this point, no doubt, my demise will also be carefully and covertly orchestrated.

What matters to me, above all, is integrity to God. Those who love Jehovah God and cling to him have no breaking point. Like the Son of God, Jesus Christ, they can maintain integrity even to death, confident in God’s desire to reward them by resurrection. “If an able-bodied man dies can he live again? All the days of my compulsory service I shall wait, Until my relief comes. You will call, and I myself shall answer you. For the work of your hands you will have a yearning.” —Job 14;14,15

To that end, my abusers have failed miserably. I have soundly rejected the corrupt principles that guide them. Schooled in the ill conceived ideas of Evolutionary Psychology they believe that when a “superior outside force is brought to bear on a subjects will to resist, the subject will lose his learned personality traits, including his ability to cope with complex situations and repeated frustrations.” - CIA Human Resources Exploitation Manual. Well, the very foundation of their work has proven to be a lie. Not only have I successfully resisted, I have become stronger and maintained self control no matter what forces have railed against me. In doing so, I stand with a great number of men and women who throughout history have chosen to “obey God rather than men.” With Jehovah’s backing, no matter what the outcome is, I will continue to do so.