Skip to main content

A Look In The Mirror My 85 Day of Exodus 90: A Journey Toward Freedom and Brotherhood

A Look In The Mirror 

My 85 Day of Exodus 90: A Journey Toward Freedom and Brotherhood


Eighty-five days ago, I stepped into Exodus 90 unsure of what to expect. The idea of committing to intense prayer, asceticism, and fraternity for three months seemed daunting—almost impossible. Now, just five days from the finish line, I see the journey with new eyes. What started as a challenge to remove distractions and embrace self-discipline has become something far greater: a transformation of heart, mind, soul (and body too).

Prayer: From Routine to Relationship

At the start, I rated my prayer life a 6 out of 10. I thought I had a decent foundation, but looking back, my prayers were often rushed, unfocused, and transactional. Now, after 85 days of daily holy hours, scripture meditation, and silent reflection, prayer has become a genuine relationship rather than an obligation. The noise that once filled my mind has quieted, allowing me to hear God’s voice more clearly. My conversations with Him are deeper, more honest, and—perhaps most importantly—less about what I want and more about what He wants for me.

Asceticism: Finding Freedom in Sacrifice

The sacrifices were brutal at first.  I mean we had like a million different restrictions to follow—colder showers, no alcohol, no sweets, no TV, no unnecessary spending. While I definitely broke along the way, in my mind, I quietly counted down the days, longing for that first sip of a delicious IPA or not feeling guilty when I glanced at a football or a baseball game on in the other room. But somewhere along the way, my mindset shifted. The cravings dulled, and the things I once thought I "needed" lost their grip on me. What I once viewed as restrictions, I now see as freedom—freedom from distractions, from unhealthy attachments, from the constant need for entertainment and indulgence. I’ve learned that self-denial isn’t about punishment; it’s about making space for something greater – God, Katie, The Boys.    

Fraternity: Brotherhood Beyond Convenience

Eighty-five days ago, I rated my fraternity a 1 out of 10. Like many men, I had friendships, but they were often surface level, built around work, sports, or casual get-togethers. Exodus 90 changed that. The bond I’ve built with all of you —through accountability, shared struggles, and deep conversations—has reshaped my understanding of what true friendship looks like. We’ve challenged each other, prayed together, and reminded each other of why we started this journey in the first place. This isn’t just a 90-day program; it’s a foundation for a lifetime of authentic brotherhood. I hope we keep the momentum, the check-ins, the silly texts, the coffee talks going.

Mindset Shift: From Enduring to Embracing

As mentioned previously…at the beginning I was counting down the days. Now, I’m wishing I had more time (well kind of). The transformation has been gradual, but undeniable. The disciplines that once felt restrictive have become habits I (and sounds like many of you from our check-in yesterday) don’t want to lose. I’ve learned to find joy in the silence, to appreciate the little moments, to be present with Katie and the boys without the constant pull of a screen or other distraction. 

It's The Final Countdown (it’s ok if you just sing there.  I had this line in Wednesday’s note too)

Five days remain. The finish line is in sight, but the journey isn’t over. Exodus 90 isn’t just about what happens in these 90 days—it’s about what comes next. My prayer now is that the lessons learned, the habits formed, and the relationships strengthened will continue to shape me (all of us) long after Day 90.

Eighty-five days ago, I asked myself, “Can I really do this?”

Today, I ask myself, “How could I ever go back?”

What say you?


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

No TV, No Snacks, No Bourbon, Oh My! Day 10 of Exodus 90: A Journey Toward Freedom and Brotherhood

No TV, No Snacks, No Bourbon, Oh My!   Day 10 of Exodus 90: A Journey Toward Freedom and Brotherhood Our lives change when our habits change.  But in today’s fast-paced, convenience-driven culture, comfort is king. From heated showers and endless streaming options to the instant gratification from an indulgent snack, modern life is designed to ensure we never feel discomfort for long. Yet, the Exodus 90 program flips that concept on its head calling men to embrace cold showers, a digital detox, and the elimination of indulgences. The first few days of this journey have revealed much about the grip comfort and distraction have on our lives—and the transformative power that comes from breaking free of it.   But to be honest, the hardest part of this journey so far hasn’t been unplugging from social media, giving up TV or going cold turkey with my evening bourbon.  It has been finding an hour to pray, or even knowing what to do during this time.  That’s r...
Post a Comment
Read more

Building Brotherhood. Day 20 of Exodus 90: A Journey Toward Freedom and Brotherhood

Building Brotherhood. Day 20 of Exodus 90: A Journey Toward Freedom and Brotherhood Twenty days into Exodus 90 and I am beginning to realize that this journey is not just about self-discipline or sacrifice—it is about brotherhood. From the very beginning, when I committed to this challenge alongside the 11 men of our Whiskey Wednesday group, I knew that I wasn’t in this alone. However, I don’t think I fully understood the power of fraternity until now. In these past three weeks, there have been moments of struggle—times when the cold showers felt unbearable, when cravings for comfort tried to break my resolve, and when prayer felt more like an obligation than an encounter with God. Yet, every time I’ve felt weak, I’ve been reminded that I have brothers walking this path with me just across the street and around the world. One of the greatest blessings of this experience has been my anchor, Sean. His encouragement, accountability, text serving up Salmon Chowder recipes and honest conver...
Post a Comment
Read more

Something’s Brewing Here Day 50 of Exodus 90: A Journey Toward Freedom and Brotherhood

Something’s Brewing Here Day 50 of Exodus 90: A Journey Toward Freedom and Brotherhood There’s something deeply satisfying about brewing beer.  And something even more satisfying when you are brewing with a group of men you greatly respect. The process is deliberate, demanding patience, precision, and trust in the recipe (and our brewmaster John). Every step, from selecting ingredients to the final pour, is a lesson in discipline and craftsmanship. And, of course, the best part isn’t just the beer—it’s the camaraderie, the shared effort, the sense of accomplishment when you finally taste the fruits of your labor.  Although the beer is a pretty awesome reward too.   As I reflect on my Exodus 90 journey, I can’t help but see the parallels between the discipline of brewing and the spiritual refinement of this program—especially on Day 50, when the challenge of perseverance begins to weigh heavily. THE BREW:  When you brew beer, you follow a strict process. Each ing...
Post a Comment
Read more