Men

When I was a child, the men were the heads of their families.  They were respected, and they were respectable.  They cared about how they appeared, how they presented themselves…not only physically, but their reputations.  Their words were their bonds.

Most boys looked up to their fathers – and even to other men – as role models.  Most girls wanted to marry someone just like Daddy.

I know things weren't perfect, but most of them at least tried.

A lot of that is gone now…almost to the point of extinction.

Men portrayed on TV and movies are immature slobs who refuse to grow up.  The men are almost totally helpless.  Their wives lord over them.  Their children scoff at them and disrespect them.

“Dad jokes” has become a phrase for lame jokes.

I even see it in other circumstances, in real life. 

I’m thankful that, while rare, there ARE men who still care how they present themselves, who act like MEN: respectable, strong, honorable, leading and taking care of their families.  I’m also thankful that most of them are in my own family.  My husband, my brothers, my brothers-in-law all fit the bill.  I am also acquainted with other men who don’t fall into the modern “man-child” stereotype.

I pray that my daughters can find men who will also lead with integrity and respect.

To quote a movie that I love…where are you, Men of Courage?