(Photo by Selma Komisky)

Our Note to Guys: Throwback Stories

By Sarah and Selma Komisky

QUESTION: What is a throwback lesson or good memory you would like to share with our guy readers this month?

“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.”

– Micah 6:8 (ESV)

This is our prayer for you.

SURVEY ANSWERS:

“In middle school there was something called Cotillion. It taught both guys and girls etiquette through dance. How to ask a girl to dance, manners, how to introduce yourself /greeting, respect, courteous, etc. It’s old school for sure. It still may not be trendy or politically correct these days, but I think today that still is lacking and needed. To be a gentleman is such an asset, a good quality, and attractive.”

“I didn’t have a good dad, but I have an awesome brother. My brother is a rally race car driver instructor. One day he signed me up to race too. Although I was nervous, he taught me that I was capable of more than I thought. He saw something in me I couldn’t see in myself. I’m thankful for believing in me and breathing life into me.”

“I remember when I was young, and my older brother and his friends used to bully me and leave me out of everything. It was beyond lonely. But he had two friends, Billy and Kris, who would stick up for me and treat me with dignity. I’ll never forget it. They were small gestures, but to me they felt like flotation rings in a raging sea of isolation.  The tiniest gestures of defending the weak or being  kind have power to bring hope, love and worth to someone who might be hanging by a thread!” 

“Clear communication is a must – even if it’s difficult and vulnerable. It’s important to know what you and your partner need in order to feel loved and nurtured in relationship.”

“My advice to young men…. I would encourage young men (and women!) to relax and enjoy the moments in life! This is something I didn’t know about when I was young.  I was always in a hurry to “get things done”….checking things off my to-do list. Even while on vacation with my family. Slow down. Notice the little things. The beautiful sunset. The wonder in a child seeing a caterpillar the first time. Listen to the sounds of the crashing waves on the beach….take it all in….memorize the smell of the ocean. I used to look forward to my children growing older and being able to do things themselves. Now….I miss those years when they were little….and so interested in seeing every creature at the zoo….and having an ice cream dripping down their clothes on a hot summer’s day.  Enjoy the little things now.  Don’t wish away your youth….slow down and make memories to cherish.”

“A throwback memory I would like to share is the importance of being a gentleman. I was fresh out of high school and had gone through a bad break up. My view on guys was pretty low and I did not think they treated girls well. I had two guy friends who changed my wrong ideas in that season as they opened doors for me, payed for me when we were out, and looked out for my best interest simply because they were gentlemen and cared about me. Sometimes it’\’s the small things like opening a door for a woman that can redefine necessary things in a women’s head.”

“My throwback lesson would definitely be, that odd phrase “tell me who your friends are, and I’ll tell you who you are” (I may be paraphrasing here) but I know there was some Full House episode with this life lesson behind it. I think about the friends that I hold dear and realized one of the reasons why our friendships have lasted so long is because we all have similarities. Whether it be, school, career goals, beliefs, certain priorities…whatever it may be, those things are what keep us close. And I truly believe that who you hang out with definitely plays a part in who you can become or strive to be.”

“Most memorable for me (I would have to say) is my best friend who showed me Jesus through his actions, taught me how to pray, showed me how to share the Good News with others and why it was important to read The Word, and always treated me like a girl should be treated with kindness. And I ended up marrying him. 😊”