RISE 30 Day Challenge Men Rise Up

RISE 30 Day Challenge
Men Rise Up

Rise is a new program for men from Chris Stefanick and Bill Donaghy. The RISE Challenge begins next on February 14th 2018, Ash Wednesday. And Lent is an excellent time to focus on spiritual things in a new way. The description of the program is:

"Brothers, do you want tomorrow to be better than today? Are you willing to do what it takes to become a better man for yourself, your family, and those around you? 

When you take the RISE 30-Day Challenge, you will gain the tools you need to take your life and relationships to the next level. Journey with men all over the world as we RISE together to claim our true identity."

This program is designed to be worked through in a group, a band of brothers. But if need be you can work through it alone. I have been given early access and after a few days I can already state it is an amazing program. This program is comparable to many others out there. But it also has a very different approach. Over 10 years ago I worked through Wild at Heart by John Eldredge, first with a friend one on one and then facilitating a larger group of men. And it has some great material, but a weekly meeting and reading a chapter is not the same as this program. I have also been through Exodus 90 and the Nineveh 90 programs. And with both of those programs you have daily email, or daily reading in a book. But the 90-day commitment is a lot to expect, especially with the physical components of giving something up, or the exercise. And to be honest I love each of these three resources. And in fact I am doing Nineveh 90 for a second time right now.

But this program is different. Each day there is a video lesson, a short reading and a challenge exercise. A sample from day three is:

"Claim Your New Identity
Day 3
"To say that I am made in the image of God is to say that love is the reason for my existence, for God is love. Love is my true identity. Selflessness is my true self. Love is my true character. Love is my name." -Thomas Merton, "New Seeds of Contemplation"

Challenge for All

Plug your name into the classic meditation on love from St. Paul. "______ is patient, ______ is kind. ______ is not jealous, ______ is not pompous, ______ is not inflated, ______ is not rude, ______ does not seek (his) own interests, ______ is not quick-tempered, ______ does not brood over injury…" (St. Paul, 1 Corinthians 13:4-6)  How does this feel? If you're feeling a knee-jerk response of "No, that ain't me", remember that THIS is the identity your Father in calling you to! Say this again out loud. Rise to your true identity. Become who you were born to be! "

And is accompanied by a 4-minute video by Chris Stefanick. The videos are incredibly powerful. And the short reflections and daily exercises are easy to apply. This program is designed to set out feet firmly on the solid ground of our identity in Christ. And through that help us develop a battle plan for our spiritual lives.

The sections in the program are:

Days 1-8 We Are Sons
Days 9-15 We Are Brothers
Days 16-22 We are Spouses
Days 23-30 We are Fathers

Currently the planned start dates are February 14th, March 5th. There is also a February 14th start date for a Spanish Edition LEVÁNTATE, and an Australian edition starting on February 14th found here. From the few days that I have already done this program will be worth more than the cost which is less than a coffee a day.

The stated goals of the program are:

"RISE is a collaboration of individuals and organizations that believe it's time to cast a wide net to awaken today's man. Our goal is simple: to use powerful media as a tool to present the true path to freedom and peace by challenging men to live the fullness of their vocation every day; at home, at work, and in their communities. We are not teaching theology, and this is not another boxed program. We are giving men a battle plan for daily living, and walking alongside them each day. When men understand their profound dignity as sons of God, and are re-oriented towards what really matters, the impact on themselves and those around them will be significant."

From the few days that I have done in this program I can say it is an amazing resource. So find a friend or two and join the challenge. They state that "RISE is for every man, whether they're just seeking, or have been well-formed, because it takes them deep into their own hearts, and challenges them to make what they've learned practical. The results are nothing but life-changing."  And I completely agree. So men rise up!

Related Articles:
RISE 30 Day Challenge Introduction
RISE Part 1 We Are Sons
RISE Part 2 We Are Brothers
RISE Part 3 We are Spouses
RISE Part 4 We are Fathers