I have not forgotten about you two. It seems like forever ago when I got all nostalgic about raising a little girl, but trust me, you two little ones have never escaped my mind. Perhaps it is because one of you is always within an arms reach of me, or earshot ... but I am more inclined to think it is because of the huge responsibility I feel, being your mom, to raise you and watch you grow into true men. There are many ideas floating around of what a true man is, but many of them are wrong. There are many ideas floating around of how a true man behaves, but many of those are also wrong. There are many ideas floating around of how a true man speaks and carries himself, but again, so many of those are wrong. Dear little boys, this is what a true man is ...
A true man lives up to his name:
who is like the LORD and he has heard; those are powerful, and have significant meanings, take time to grow into them and humbly live them out.
A true man is full of gentle strength:
he does not trample over people, but picks those up who have fallen
and bears their burdens with them.
A true man is a humble servant:
he does not seek praise for his work, but quietly goes about his life
honoring God by doing the right thing in both public and private. He is not too good for the most humbling tasks: laundry, dishes, and diaper changes.
A true man sees a woman as a companion and treasure,
not a prize to be won, or trophy to be demeaningly displayed
amongst other men. A woman is not yours, she is God's; but she is yours to empower, encourage, and to love.
A true man does not stay silent.
When injustice is happening, get up and fight for the those less fortunate.
Be passionate about justice, seek after it with your whole heart.
A true man recognizes true beauty,
and knows it does not come in a certain number or color.
Yes, beauty is very much seen in the physical, but a true man
recognizes that true spiritual beauty will far outlast any trend, style or perfect body type.
A true man brings wholeness to the people around him.
He does not start conflict, or hurt others with his words.
My dear little boys, grow up and be true men, who's strength and dignity come from something greater than yourself. And because I want your wives to like me some day ... don't forget to put the bathroom seat down, to empty your pockets before you put things in the laundry, and learn to cook ... every woman likes a man who can cook :)
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