WHY BECOME A FREEMASON

by Frank M. Lizardo
(1474 Lassiter Dr. Walnut, Ca 91789-1209)

WHY I BECAME A FREEMASON

It started as a curiosity to me. I've been hearing a lot of myths about FREEMASONS. That they were A MYSTICAL, SECRET SOCIETY. That when you reach the highest degree, you are required to spit on the cross, step on it and curse JESUS CHRIST.

This curiosity emboldened me to SEEK THE TRUTH ABOUT FREEMASONRY although, I vowed to myself that NOTHING CAN CHANGE MY BELIEF IN THE CATHOLIC RELIGION AND JESUS CHRIST, AS SAVIOR AND REDEEMER OF THE WORLD. THAT HE DIED FOR ALL OF US TO REDEEM US FROM OUR ORIGINAL SIN. THAT THE MYSTERY OF THE BLESSED TRINITY EXIST AND THAT THE SOUL IS IMMORTAL (WILL NEVER DIE).

I entered Freemasonry in 2005, having been a very good friend of a Past Master, who used to invite me to join open activities of Masons, like birthdays, get-together fun activities, fellowships outside the lodge until the wee-hours of the morning, enjoying the camaraderie and friendship of people I have never known in my life time.

They were very kind and humble and accepted me immediately as a "brother", as one of them, although, I have not been initiated yet, I knocked and the doors were immediately opened. I started to learn the basic rudiments of an Entered Apprentice, that of being HUMBLE BY SERVING OTHERS.

I really love serving people as it gives me a feeling of contentment and accomplishment. Since birth, I have been taught by my grandmother, that HUMILITY IS GODLINESS. The more I served, the more people became friendly to me. I HAVE BEEN A PEOPLE PERSON EVER SINCE.

It took me some two years plus to become a Master Mason and reach the 32 Degree of Cryptic Mason (York Rite) as a Chaplain and Masonic Educator. My first love is teaching and sharing my little knowledge to people who are interested in learning.

To me, learning is a life-time process. It is a Journey, not a destination. As you travel, you encounter life's Problems, Obstacles, Failures, Disappointments, but to me these are HIDDEN OPPORTUNITIES, because at the end of the corner is SUCCESS, if you hurdle this misfortunes.

There is ALWAYS A BRIGHT SILVER LINING AWAITING US,if we learn how to hurdle all this minor "accidents" in life. I've learned to go the EXTRA-MILE to achieve REAL SUCCESS IN LIFE.

FREEMASONRY has taught me ENLIGHTENMENT, so much so that it really CHANGED MY LIFE-STYLE. My impulsiveness was gone, holding hurt-feelings and revenge from people who have hurt me was gone. FORGIVENESS REPLACED HATRED. I ALWAYS FELT THAT IF JESUS FORGAVE ALL THOSE WHO HAVE HURT AND KILLED HIM, WHO AM I NOT TO FORGIVE AND FORGET?

THIS MADE MY LIFE MORE FRUITFUL AND ENJOYABLE. My friends and associates noticed the change in me and asked me What made you change? MY SIMPLE ANSWER WAS ENLIGHTENMENT IN FREEMASONRY. They ask, HOW?, my answer:

Learn about FREEMASONRY, ASK ONE TO BE ONE. KNOCK AND THE DOOR WILL BE OPENED, SEEK AND YOU SHALL FIND. AS YOU TRAVEL LIFE'S JOURNEY, YOU WILL REALIZE THAT NO MAN IS AN ISLAND, THAT EVERYTHING YOU LEARN AND EARN COMES FROM PEOPLE. YOU CAN NEVER ACHIEVE SUCCESS WITHOUT PEOPLE HELPING YOU REACH YOUR GOALS AND BIG DREAMS.

THE ONLY PERMANENT THING IN THIS WORLD IS C-H-A-N-G-E. CHANGE YOUR ATTITUDE TO POSITIVE AND YOU WILL NEVER REGRET IT. IT IS THE JOURNEY TO SUCCESS THAT IS CHALLENGING, NOT THE DESTINATION. HAPPINESS IS IN THE JOURNEY NOT REACHING THE DESTINATION.

PEOPLE ARE HAPPIER IN GOING TO A CRUISE THAN WHEN COMING HOME, CHILDREN ARE HAPPIER RECEIVING THEIR CHRISTMAS GIFTS THAN AFTER CHRISTMAS DAY.

HOPING THAT THIS SHORT MESSAGE OPENS UP DOORS TO OTHERS WHO HAVE NO IDEA WHAT FREEMASONRY IS ALL ABOUT, BROTHERLY LOVE, RELIEF AND TRUTH.

FRANK M. LIZARDO
GARDENA-MONETA LODGE #372
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA