Where are all the good men?

I've been so overwhelmed with the concept of the importance of men in the life of youth, in particularly the father role. I've really yet to come to a point where my words and thoughts are completely coherent so bear with me as I struggle out my heart. Working as a youth pastor for a little over a year I have seen more hurt than I wish I knew existed. The broken hearts, the confused youth, the hurting generation has almost ruined me. One thing I have noticed over and over and over again is the affect of absent or apathetic dads. I've begun to see how necessary a father is in the shaping of identity of his children. I've become awestruck at how important it is. Sadly, I have seen enough people in my life come to a place of utter chaos in life due to a lack of a father figure. My heart breaks for them and is continually torn apart. This is something I cannot stop considering! Ladies, I am not discrediting your role in the lives of your children or significant women in you life, but this is directed at the men, myself included. I include myself and all the young men out there because this necessity of positive male influence extends far beyond paternity.

When did boys stop becoming men? Gentlemen, we must grow up! Our word is our bond (to quote Johnny Q). Guys I pray you are reading this! I prayer this is here for you to truly consider. Listen to this next part because it is vital. GUYS! You have the ability to positively influence the people in your life. The ability you have to change the life of a young guy or girl in your life who looks up to you is incredible, but you must become men first to do this positively. Guys are you encouraging? I've come to notice that many guys do not often complement girls without an agenda and this is awful. Recently I've come to realize that one of my most awesome abilities is to appropriately compliment somebody without strings attached. This means girls who are my friends need to be built up by me. Men need to be building up ladies. Also men need to be building up men. More and more I see condescending, and snide remarks being praised as witty and humorous, but more and more I see the results of this view becoming confused, guarded, and surface level people who fear to allow others close.

Men check who you are becoming. Are you patient? Kind? Loving? Self-Controlled? Do you stand up for the oppressed? Do you intentionally define others out of love and affection? Are you a man of your words? There is something about men of God that stands out to me. I am drawn to people who have taken the time to develop who they are in Christ. I think of one man that I look up to greatly. He listens, loves his children, asks questions, values others, compliments others, and frankly he is one of the greatest dads I've ever seen. So from me to all you out there I beg of you to encourage one another. Drop the pride, drop the ego, drop the attitude and recognize the ability you have to positively touch others lives.