The Bro Code

The Bro Code. It's a code of honor among male friends that was popularized by the hit show How I Met Your Mother, but is it a joke or should it be taken with more than a grain of salt? 

This semester in my apartment the bro code has been a popular topic; we even have in our possession the official Barney Stinson Bro Code book.  We read from it and we laugh at it and to be honest, some points have been applied in every day scenarios, but it does hold a certain riduclousness to it as it tells us how to wear hats, how to lie to potential girlfriends, and how to get away with immorality.  It's obvious that the book authored by Stinson is nothing short of a joke. So that raises the question, is there really a bro code?

The answer is yes. The real bro code is found in a book of scripture exclusive to the Latter Day Saints known as Doctrine and Covenants.  Whether you accept this book as revelation from God or total blasphemy, you cannot deny the wisdom and power of the code of conduct found in Section 108 verse 7:

"Therefore, strengthen your brethren in all your conversation, in all your prayers, in all your exhortations, and in all your doings." 

It's as simple as that.  A bro never brings another bro down.  The world's bro code allows for playful insults and a little bit of humiliation if it's deserved, but the Lord's bro code doesn't.  We have a duty to lift up everyone in our path.

I'm not saying that the joke needs to end.  I love getting out of tense situations by making the bro code my scapegoat and I love the laughter and jokes that it brings into my apartment but when the going gets tough I want my friends to know that I'm going to be there for them.  I want them to know that if I ever make a joke that is hurtful, they can let me know and I will apologize and strive to be better. This life is hard, we need each other, especially before marriage.  As we experience broken hearts, disappointments, big life choices, we need each other and it is all of our responsibility to lift one another up.

I guess as a final note I'll just add this: This "bro code" or code of conduct SHOULD NOT BE LIMITED TO BROS.  Any man who tears down or discourages a woman with his words or actions is not a man.  He is a coward and weak individual.  This is not so much a bro code as a human being code, but I write about it as a bro code to contrast the increasingly popular code laid out by Mr. Stinson.

May we all seek to build up one another is my humble invitation. As you read this, send a text, or a facebook message, or call a friend that has come to mind.  Let them know how much you appreciate them, and tell them why they're great.  You'll learn that as you bring light into other peoples lives, you can't help brightening up your own.