Men's corner #1

Caution! The contents in this series of blogs contains material not suitable for wusses.

It's ok to be a manly man, right? I mean, when I look at the folks who tamed the West, fought in wars such as the Civil War, and applied grit and determination during the American industrial boom, I see MEN! Now, just in case you are a lady and have found your way to this series, be not dismayed. Women played an outstanding role in those events, too, and I am not downplaying that. But, this is a series for men so stick with me. Through this series I hope to help men find out more about who God calls them to be. I hope you will stay with me through the coming weeks as we dig deeper on the subject of "Real Men."

If I were to ask you to describe a "man," opinions might vary slightly. Let me throw you a little bone here. I am not all about the definition of a "man" in today's terms. That definition has become extremely clouded and generic to say the least . So, what is a man? Here are some things that immediately come to mind.

A man .....

1. is a Male by definition.

2. put's God first, others second, and self last.

3. has an internal drive to provide and protect.

4. has determination in his eyes as soon as they open every morning.

5. puts on his big boy britches and gets stuff done.

6. is chivalrous. (courteous and gallant, especially toward women. )

7. doesn't simply follow the status quo .

8. is a leader in the home.

9. is a husband to his wife.

10. a father to his children.

11. not afraid of blood, sweat and tears.

12. someone who can change tires, oil and diapers.

13. someone who can work all day and still have a drive to work some more.

14. has more stories in the lines and callouses on his hands than any series of novels.

Can I get a Tim the Tool Man Taylor grunt?!?!?!? Men are born to be unapologetically men. None of this skinny jean wearing, tree hugging, electric car driving business. None of this leaving your family stranded, letting other people raise your kids, or wife beating stuff either. Men take responsibility for things and for those under their care. Men fight for what is right. Just look at our founding "FATHERS"! Hello?!?!?!?!? Men are men by design. Not by mere chance. I believe that it's time that we come to realize who God calls us to be. I believe that God calls us to be strong and courageous as well as tender and kind. This unique combination is a beef stew recipe for men. A perfect mixture of Godly qualities.

See you at the dinner table,

Jeremy

Heavenly Father,

Lord I want to thank you for creating us. Not only did you create us, but you created us in Your image. God, you have put within us parts of you that we often overlook. Please, help us to reflect you, and open our eyes to the power that is within each of us. Lord, I ask this not so that we can be big headed and to boost our ego, but so that we can live boldly for you. Father, you are the perfect example of what we should look like as men. We fall short of your example every single day. We ask you to shower your mercy upon us. Lord, God please, help each man reading this to realize his power and potential in you. Help us to lead our family and communities to come to know the source of all of our hope. In Jesus name, Amen.