Lenten Devotion – A Prayerful Man
Often times, society tells us that prayer is for women, young children and hermit-type religious folks. Not true. In order for all of us to know God, we must converse with Him. It simply wouldn’t work to not speak to my wife for weeks-on-end and expect things to be okay between us. The same goes for us and God. We MUST stay in constant conversation with God. It’s like any other relationship, it takes bothparties to be in relation with one another. God has proved to remain faithful (He has made many covenants with us, His people), we are the ones that must change our behavior and devote time to Him in prayer.
Men, be careful to not fall into the modern idea that prayer/spirituality is a feminine characteristic. Females have a beautiful spirituality, but that doesn’t usually work for us. (There’s a reason why most of the Mystics of the Church are women.) For me, my prayer life reflects my demeanor, my personality and my outlook; it’s rugged, straightforward and unwaveringly positive. Most of my prayer reflects my need for Christ as a fallen, sinful man working at changing for the better. It also reflects knowledge that our faith is the Truth and the fullness of it. It’s important that your prayer life and spirituality reflect who you are, because like in any relationship, both parties need to honest, open and real. It won’t work if you try to have someone else’s spirituality. The great news here is that there’s at least one Saint who you can emulate, one Saint that was like you. Find that Saint and follow them to Christ.
Man up!
Celebrity Apprentice – Season 2
Are you familiar with Donald Trump? The multi-billionaire business man that created the show “The Apprentice”. Although he’s very good at what he does in business, he’s not the example of TrueManhood. He’s at it again, this time season two of Celebrity Apprentice. This show has been getting some big press and, as in years past, gains traction throughout the season. Season two started last night, although I didn’t watch it, I found this commercial clip for it. Watch…
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90zttzBDhZs]
I can’t begin to count the bad examples of manhood throughout the show… I can’t even keep up with them in this short one minute promo. Clint Black is “ready to go the wild side”, Pierce Morgan (altough he proclaims to be a Catholic-family man) is a crude, rude, pompous, arrogant man. Don’t even get me started on Rodman or Andrew Dice Clay. Tom Green is “stabbing people in the back”, and wearing wedding dresses on the street corner. We hear Trump say, as he flies around in his private helicopter, “It’s all about fighting for what you believe in.” I’m not sure what any of these celebrities believe in.
The show isn’t horrible, overall, as most of the money that is raised goes to (mostly) worthy charities. So, there’s at least one good part to it. It’s not at all what TrueManhood is about. If you can stomach it, watch an episode on nbc.com and see what you think. Are any of these men setting an example of TrueManhood or are they fulfilling society’s idea of “cultural manliness”? You decide.
Man up!
Lenten Devotion – Selflessness
We took an amazing trip to San Luis, Colorado yesterday. There, among the high-desert plain and the rock-covered mountains, stands the Shrine to the Stations of the Cross. It’s a marvelous experience, hiking up the mountain side, following the footsteps of Jesus; from his death-sentencing until He resurrects from the tomb. We had a group of 34 people, led by Fr Joe and Deacon Bob.
As we walked the rocky ground, contemplating the weight of the cross beam on Jesus’ shredded back (shredded from the scourging at the pillar),I was in awe of just how difficult Christ’s journey must have been. And while contemplating the journey, I realized that I’m simply not selfless enough. He gave everything for me (and you), yet, I’m still prone to selfish desires and self-serving interests.
The culture wants men to believe that it’s all about them; their needs, their desires. That a man can plow through any innocent bystander if they impede his progress of attaining his goal(s). Get get get, take take take – never worrying about taking anyone out along the way. Being self-serving is actually self-reliance, self-defense and self-preservation – they say. In reality, a man should be self-denying, self-sacrificing and self-giving. He is called to attend to the needs of others before his own. He is called to defend, protect and build up, even if it means blood, sweat and tears. A True Man follows Christ’s example.
Man up!
Dependability & Follow Through
Lately, I’ve had a few experiences that have been incredibly frustrating. These experiences are based on how dependable other men have been and what sort of follow through these men have shown.
The first experience happened yesterday. I received an email from a young man who had committed to assisting me with a project. His expertise is an area that I am not-at-all proficient in and I was looking forward to actually delegating these certain “expert” tasks on to someone else… especially someone who knew what they were doing. Well, yesterday, 2 days before the project, this guy flaked. He bailed. He decided that something else was more important and he bailed. Since he was referred to me, I didn’t know what sort of dependability he had, but obviously I know now. He agreed (gave his word) that he’d be there and now, he’s not going to be. Thanks a lot bro.
The second experience happened earlier this week. It was a similar situation (someone flaked) and now I have to be resourceful to pick up the slack. That’s okay, I always am. This situation only became a problem because a young man decided to speak out of turn, promise a service that he couldn’t provide and then try to slyly back out. Guess what?… I’m not buying his story. Thanks a lot bro.
The problem here is that I SHOULD have been able to count on these two guys. I SHOULD have been able to take their word and count on them following through. I SHOULD have been able, once they gave me their word, to assume that their piece would be taken care of. Instead, they split on me and now I am left picking up their slack. This is one of the reasons why I’m always so reluctant to delegate my responsibilities onto other folks. Character flaw of mine, I guess. If you give your word, mean it and follow through. A True Man gives his word and follows through.
Man up!
The Power of a Purposeful Lent
Today is the start to the Liturgical Season of Lent. Lent is often times looked at as a set of rules about not eating meat on Fridays and a time of giving something up; a fairly militaristic/dictatorial outlook if you ask me. I’m not going to get into the specifics about fasting and why we do it, or about what the Church teaches about Lent. What I want to get into is the power that a purposeful Lent can have for a person. As with most things, if we choose to “get by” with the minimum, we’re not going to get much out of it. If, however, we decide to embrace the teachings and challenges of Lent, I believe that we will gain a great deal.
For many of us, Lent tends to be a time of re-commitment, year after year. In order for Lent to be powerful and to make a difference this year (as opposed to Lent being just a period of 40 days that bore no spiritual fruit – like last year), we must be purposeful in our decisions and lifestyle. I suggest that you write you plan down. After you write your plan down, read it regularly. I also suggest that you tell someone else your plan so that they can hold you accountable to your word. Do the same for them.
I suggest that everyone not only give something up (broccoli and peas don’t count) but add some things as well. I typically add a form of prayer, a form of discipline and a form of service to my fasting choice(s). This year, my wife and I (for our family) decided to only purchase the essentials at the grocery store (milk, bread, vegetables, fruit, etc. – the stuff that goes bad quickly) and to eat what’s already in the house, including, no meals out. It’s a fiscal decision and a simplification decision. I’ve made a commitment to making a workout a priority again, to praying the stations of the cross every week, whether by myself or in a group and I’m going to volunteer at least one day at Habitat for Humanity. The “give up” part of my Lenten devotion this year is to only consume water as a beverage, no other liquids (Pepsi, tea, etc). Ouch! In your journey, it might be too much to add a bunch of stuff. Add something, even if it appears to be small. If you can’t handle the small stuff, you’ll never be able to handle the big stuff. May your Lent be powerful.
Man up!
The Most Important Relationship of Their Lives
February 24, 2009 by admin
Filed under Fatherhood
I have the privilege of staying home with my daughters on Tuesdays. Technically, it’s my day off every week. I cherish Tuesdays with them and know that I am blessed to be able to have such dedicated and devoted time taking care of them. I cherish this time because I know, without a doubt, that there will never be a more important relationship in either of my daughter’s lives than their relationship with me. I don’t say this out of pride or out of attention-seeking. I say this because it is the truth.
Think about it… where does a young girl learn about love? Where does a young girl learn how to be treated? Where does a young girl develop her idea of what her future will hold? Where does a young girl learn self-respect and self-esteem? From her father. [This is NOT to underscore the relationships a young girl has with anyone else, especially her mother. It is to show that a father has a vital role in the future of his daughters. In my estimation, the most vital role.] Her father must demonstrate love; love of his spouse, love of his children, love of his God. What happens if a father doesn’t fulfill this role or if he fails to fulfill it in the correct way? Simple, the child’s understanding of how a man should act and treat others is skewed. This skewed understanding can lead to multiple problems, namely disordered relationships.
Fathers, love your wives. Set the example for your daughters of how they should expect a man to treat them. Teach them to set the bar high and to never settle for less than the best. If they see you being disrespectful, unloving and/or hurtful towards their mother, they are going to grow up thinking that similar behavior is normal and okay. It’s not. They will learn not only what love is, but more importantly, how to love and how to receive love from your example. It is a big responsibility, but that’s what you signed up for when you had sex with your wife.
Man up!
A Month In
Just a quick “Thanks!” to all of our loyal subscribers and to our frequent visitors! Your support of this site over the first month of its existence has made it a huge success. In only one month, we’ve averaged over 100+ daily site hits. This means that our exposure on the web is growing and that more and more viewers will read about what it means to be a True Man.
Please continue to send the website link to your family and friends. Join us on Facebook: search the group “TrueManhood.com”.
Man up!
