Dwayne Johnson, a professional wrestler and movie star is a well-known actor because of the heroic characters he portrays. He’s admired for these characters because they represent a man of moral character and high integrity, always fighting for the right thing and defending the downtrodden and weaker in society. I personally enjoy his movies and I can fully understand why so many still call him by his wrestling nickname, “The Rock”.

It’s a great moniker or nickname for one who sets this sort of example in society.

For a far greater description, let us look to two of the Great Books of Law, the Christian Bible and the Jewish Torah for a definition of the “THE ROCK”.

Psalm 18:2 “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

1 Sam 2:2 “There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.”

Deuteronomy 32:4 “He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just.”

Isaiah 51:1 “Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness and who seek the LORD: Look to the rock from which you were cut and to the quarry from which you were hewn.”

Now that we have established what it means to be “THE ROCK”, let us examine ourselves as Masons in that Light.

As Masons, we are not supposed to be the average of our community, we are the ones with which others aspire to be like. We do not follow the fads of society, we set the standards for society to follow. Our standards have not faltered nor have they been dismissed. What we presently have is a gradual erosion within our fraternity because some of our order feel the pressure of society demanding we change to accept lower standards. With a lowering of standards, we lessen our importance as leaders and models in our communities and in our families.

What I find most interesting is the constant push by society to accept these yet movies such as those with the Rock in them are so popular. What does that say for us? It clearly says that elements in our society are demanding one thing but people are rejecting it and demanding much better.

Society has become tolerant of foul language, sexual depravity, attacks on the morality of all religions, drunkenness, drug use, political and financial corruption, to name a few. Does that mean we should do the same in our daily interaction with others? How do you talk, how do you dress, how do you interact with your spouse, your children, your co-workers, your neighbors, your Lodge Brothers?

Again, how are we to respond as Masons to all this?

I submit that we must strive daily to maintain those high levels of morality, honor, integrity and the standards of our forefathers and ancient models.

So, the question I have for each of you as an individual is this?

Are you the “Rock” of your family? Do you set the example for your children to follow? Are you a “Rock” in your community? Do you volunteer to help and assist others or is that left to someone else? Are you there for your spouse when she needs your help, are you there for children’s school and sport activities, or is your golf game, your racing event, your college football on TV more important than your spouse or children?

Are you a Rock in your Lodge? Do you even attend Lodge? Or, are you just a card-carrying member?

It’s easy for all of us to become drifting sand, following the fads and demands of a degenerative society and where would that lead us? We all know the answer.

If you are not a Rock, then what is stopping you?

Xerxes Z. Herrington
Grand Orator, Grand Lodge of Mississippi