The Importance of Manhood

In today's world, it's not exactly "correct" to be a man. Case in point? Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. No, I don't hate the men on that show. I find it rather entertaining, actually. But, I do think that through their choices they are going to reap the results of what they are sowing. Our society seems bent on making sure that everyone is the same. Remember, Neo, comformity isn't always "right".

If you go to George Barna's website, you will find an amazing amount of data that supports the supposition that men need to rethink their view that they can just run out on their families. Want to decrease the suicide rate? Decrease (or effectively eliminate) substance abuse issues? Want to make our world a better place? Get involved with your kids!

I know it isn't easy to do. With our world being so complex and confusing, with our time being drained constantly, we have very little time to be anything. We should not let that stop us. Get involved. Talk to your boss and see if you can get some flexibility with your work schedule so that you can attend a recital, a game, or what ever your child is involved in. Play a video game with your child. Stop doing all the things that prevent you from being "Daddy".

Don't have any kids? Concerned with the youth of today and how misguided they are? Join Big Brothers/Big Sisters in your area. Join the Boy Scouts of America. You could even get involved in your local church's children/youth ministries (such as Royal Rangers). "By any means necessary..." we must reach our world. Start with the young ones and you start with the future.

Working with kids can be very hard. You could easily toil for many years before you see even the smallest seed poke through the hard soil of life. The discouragement is very real, very scary, and doesn't take long to take root. You must be prepared to stay the course. It isn't always your place to harvest what you have sown. Sometimes, it seems like you have broken the soil, planted the seeds, and nothing ever comes of it. Don't for one moment seriously entertain the thought that you have failed. Only eternity can tell. Only God knows. Just remember why you are doing it...for Jesus' sake. For His glory, not yours. Let Him have it all, the frustration, the fear, the tiredness, everything. He gives joy for sorrow...trust Him in the little things and He will prove Himself faithful.

Cheers