Currently I’m reading a book called Wild at Heart. If you have read it, then you understand my journey to some degree.
Are you a Man? I capitalize this word because I think there are a lot of men who want to be a Man, but just don’t get it. I was and may still partially be one of them. To be a Man is to stand up and be counted when called upon by God.
Why am I writing about this? Is it because I just attended Steubenville Mid-America? Partly. Is it because I’m reading Wild at Heart? Partly. Mostly I am writing about this toady because I’m frustrated.
I have a friend who is struggling in his marriage. He is frustrated with his wife and kids. He does not like his job. He is unsatisfied with life. (no, for all your Freudian freaks, it is not me) What is frustrating is the victimization he displays. How unwilling he is to take charge and kick some butt. How weak and un-warrior like he is.
Let me ask you this. If someone breaks into your house and tries to hurt your family, do you kindly ask them to stop? NO. You kick their ass! (Sorry). You take them to town off of every wall, floor, and piece of furniture in your house until they stop attacking your family.
Why do we treat the Devil differently than a burglar? The Devil doesn’t just want the possessions in your home; he wants the souls of your wife and children! That is infinitely more valuable than anything we possess. And yet, we think God calls us to “turn the other cheek.”
Brothers, we have to start fighting the battle. Exodus 15:3 says:
THE LORD IS A WARRIOR
THE LORD IS HIS NAME
Look at the FEAR God puts in His enemies:
Terror and dread fall upon them;
By the greatness of Your arm they are motionless as stone. – Ex 15:16
In my wife’s pursuit to understand Meekness as a Virtue she posted this quote which I have read 1500 times since.
“the meek man is a conqueror; for he has subdued the wildest passion of man, the passion that strikes most suddenly and most devastatingly. This is not the task of the timid person, but rather of a fearless rider of a wild steed he has subdued” (ibid. p. 456).
Listen to the words.
“THE MEEK MAN IS A CONQUEROR”
“FOR HE HAS SUBDUED THE WILDEST PASSION OF MAN”
Man is passionate and a Warrior. WE create fear in our enemy’s not because of us, but because of God in us.
Say this with me (use your name):
I am created in the Image and Likeness of God!
I am empowered by the Holy Spirit!
I am a brother of Jesus Christ Lord and Savior!
I am a warrior!
I am passionate!
I am a Man!
I am Bob!
WE ARE WARRIORS. WE ARE MEN! We are called to protect our families, not just from human evil, but from the Devil. And that starts with prayer, sacrifice, love, passion and charity.
For me, this means 2 concrete changes in life.
1. I need to lead my family in prayer and sacrifice.
2. I need to fight the battle and attack the Devil and root out his influence in my life and my family’s life. Find him, shine the light, and let God destroy him.
I’m going to post more as I read more, pray more and become more able to say I am a Man. Here is the first challenge question on this topic:
Which of the following is a more Manly response?
Hey Bob, what are you doing this Sunday?
A) Watching football and drinking beer
B) Taking my family to Mass and standing up for what I believe in.
Think about it.
