Beyond the Gate.

What It's Like: To Be a Man

In this ninth session, we introduce a new series and build on a slightly different conversation than what has been spoken about in this podcast. In this new series, "What It's Like," we sit down and come together to find out how individual life experiences differ and how they share similarities. We dismantle what society has warped society to now think and what standards have been put in place that are counter-productive. In this first part, we tackle what it's really like to be a man today. We look at it from a general societal standpoint and then we tie it into what it's like to be a man in the eyes of God. We tackle a list we found on Google that states the best characteristics that a man should have. We notice that this list seems to have things that are self-seeking for the individual who made the list, and it is not what is supposed to be prescribed to others. There is a difference between prescription and description. Is society changing what it's like to be a man for the better or worse? Real questions with real answers for real people.

Traditions: In the Culture

In this eighth session, we introduce a new topic and build on a slightly different conversation than what has been spoken about in this podcast. In this new series, "Traditions" we sit down and point out the different routines and habits that have been passed down through generations. We realize that just because something is a "tradition" doesn't mean it should still be done or held onto. Traditions can act like generational curses and can hold anyone back from breaking free from chains and accepting the truth that will set them free, and set them free indeed. In this first part, we tackle traditions that are mainly found and practiced in the culture. The culture mostly touched on is Dominican culture straight from the island but also mixed with Dominican culture that has been slightly changed by living in the United States. Buying your own cleaning products when arriving at a vacation house to clean the house yourself because you don't trust the cleaning service that is professionally hired to clean the house in the first place. Vicks Vaporub, longaniza, pica pollo, natural herbal home remedies and more. It is so interesting to see how certain traditions are carried on and how certain traditions are left behind and forgotten. There are many that keep you firm in what you believe in and make you stay true to your roots, but there are many that can keep you from progressing forward. What traditions should we hold on to, and what traditions should we let go? Real questions with real answers for real people.

The Real: Love l Part 4 l

In continuation of our seventh session, we sit down and continue the topic of Love. We continue building off the previous conversation on how Love can be expressed in paternal and friendship relationships. Many people in this world and society hold themselves back from expressing or admitting their love for the people around them because they are too prideful and afraid to be vulnerable. Love shines its brightest where it is truly revealed, and that is only found in vulnerability,  In this fourth part, we address the Love that church pastors and leaders must-have for the members of the church. How does it feel to hug a vampire? He who is forgiven little forgives a little, and he who is loved little loves a little. Society encourages 'matching energy' but is that really what we are called to do? We revisit the events that occurred in the Garden and analyze what caused man's fall and how sin entered the world. What is Love? Real questions with real answers for real people.

The Real: Love l Part 3 l

In this seventh session, we sit down and continue the topic of Love. We turn our attention from discussing love in a romantic stance to now a more paternal and friendship stance. Love is not just something that you experience in a romantic relationship with a partner but it is something you choose to do. Love is a choice and love is also an action. Loving others is what we were called to do and it is important to discuss the correct ways to love. In this third part, we continue to crack down on relationship dynamics and how men and women both have innate natural roles they are inclined to fulfill in order to feel whole in a relationship. You get more with honey than you do with vinegar. We also touch on friends or people who seem to always take from you but never give back. Vampires are real? I'm tired of giving the same advice to the same person that doesn't seem to listen, do i stop doing so? Do you want me to just hear you out or do you want my advice? Hate doesn't break up Love, Pride does. What is Love? Real questions with real answers for real people.

The Real: Love l Part 2 l

In this continuation of this sixth session, we sit down, and continue this new topic, and cultivate a slightly different conversation than what has been spoken about in this podcast. In this new series, "The Real" we take a stab at what it means to have real Love. Love is something that many people long for, especially in this day and age, but many people do not know what real love consists of, and most importantly, they don't know what the word of God has to say about it. In this second part, we observe how the lack of commitment is plaguing this new generation and this society. Our speaker Jo also continues to elaborate on her personal testimony of how Love has played a part in her life. We touch on how men and women are EQUAL in value but DISTINCT in role. What is weaponized incompetence? Why does 'submission' have such a negative stigma or connotation? And we most importantly continue to come together to figure out... What is Love? Real questions with real answers for real people.