Be A Man

 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified nor dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Joshua 1:9

 

Anyone who knows me can tell you of my love and involvement in the Boy Scouts. I was a Scout when I was growing up, and I had the privilege to walk with my grandson from when he was a Tiger Cub (age 6) to an Eagle (age 18). I believe in Scouting, and although I may have disagreed with the organization from time to time, I fully support the program. I believe in it so much I have written two books on Scouting.

            I was shocked and disappointed when I came across a post aimed at Eagle Scouts: "Men need to know it's okay: To talk about feelings. To ask for help. To break down. To cry. To need support. To be vulnerable. To go to therapy. To not be okay." I do not know where this came from or who the quote belongs to, but it is nothing that any young person should be told.

            Allow me to share my response to this on the site where I found it. "More than ever, men need to know that it is okay: To do their duty. To stand in the face of difficulty. To face their fears. To put others first. To take the lead. To face danger with courage. To embrace honor. To do what is right no matter the cost. To be men."

            Now I know that some may think, "What is wrong with men getting in touch with their feelings and finding their softer side?" Frankly, there is a lot wrong with it. We live in a time when young boys are taught to be weak and to stand aside from their God-given leadership roles. They have become cowards and no longer take responsibility for doing their duty in the home, the church, or their country.

            Young men should be taught to be warriors and leaders. That was what Scouting was created to do. Look back at the history of Scouting. Look at the role Scouts played in World Wars 1 and 2. In times of disaster, they were there not to hand out water bottles but to clear out debris and rescue the injured. Scouts were heroes, not kids who got in the way. That is why they were the first to walk on the moon, to break world records for great adventures like Steve Fossett (an Eagle Scout), and became great achievers in business, science, exploration, and even politics.

            Let us teach our young men to be men of courage. Help them know how to do their duty to God and their country because we do our duty. Teach them that it is more important to be a man of honor and courage than to be in touch with their feelings. Our young are our only hope for the future. Do not trust them in the hands of strangers. You must train them up in the way they should go (Proverbs 22:6). It is your responsibility. You will be thankful you did.

 

You can learn more about Personal Development from the author and speaker, John Patrick Hickey. To get his books, training material, or book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website: www.growthcenter.net.    © 2022 John Patrick Hickey. No part of this material may be reprinted or published without the author's written permission.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 The ability to embrace and live by the Scout Oath & Law is what makes a Scout. All else are extras. tinyurl.com/2bvs3f2v