Fig Leaves & Hemis
We approach the deficit differently – grab more power, run from power, or build a hybrid - something that runs on both.

"Yah, It’s got a Hemi” is the extremely successful marketing tag line DamilerChrysler's new line of high power drive train options being offered though their lineup. Currently available in Dodge trucks the Dodge Magnum and the Chrysler 300C, the Hemi tag line has hit upon a flashpoint, something that sent tremors thought the automotive marketing world. In fact currently the Chrysler 300C is stealing significant market share from BMW in the sedan competition, and blowing away much of the competition without the need for heavy sales incentives, as American cars have been known to need. Why. It is something we can use that speaks to our need for power and identity. In a world where much of the current male population lacks of understanding on what it means to be a man, we latch on anything that speaks of roles of power. It’s not just about muscles or strength either.

God designed men as incredibly powerful creatures. That may be in strength, artistic ability, intelligence or conviction Why? Because we reflect Him. We were designed in His image and He created the world in seven days, (He even created the mind that invented the Hemi). Therefore, we must naturally reflect His strength and power… it’s in our DNA. I found Eldredge’s insight into men’s love of adventure and our wild nature fantastic. Many men have responded positively to his book “Wild at Heart.”

Eldredge takes us on a incredible journey as he describes the innate God-pressed uniqueness we have written on our DNA as men. We gravitate toward the heroic to affirm that “we have what it takes” as men.

He’s right on in that we are driven to express our masculinity in the adventure, the powerful, and the heroic. To rescue the beauty. Yet, as we go about our lives without having the confirmation of our manhood pressed into our very being from our earthly father or from God, we sense the loss and our inability to self affirm through any man made methods.

We may be made like the Hemi, but we’re running on empty. We don’t feel like any different that 1985 LeBaron with a misfiring 2.2 liter four banger. And as we feel the engine misfire, we merely stomp on the accelerator trying to manufacture something impossible. More power. We need it desperately because there’s a void that has to be filled. But we don’t know where or with what. Often times we forget that we even had a void and merely respond to an unconscious trigger and reach out for some coping mechanism or fig leaf. It might be working out, working late, working the scene or working your way through a cold six-pack.