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The Manhood Concept
Merriam-Webster defines the term “Manhood†as:
1: the condition of being a human being. 2: qualities associated with men: manliness. 3: the condition of being an adult male as distinguished from a child or female. 4: adult males: men.
The definition suggests that the term is associated to man-like qualities and references. However the definition does not give an account of what man-like qualities or references consist of. Since most men like to engage and follow sports, does that make those who do not follow sports less of a man? If I enjoy tending to my garden and planting flowers, does that make me less of a man?
Manhood, as I represent it, is my way of embracing the qualities that stand true to the nature of being a man. Not by superficial standards or by acts of physical strength, but by knowledge of self, respect toward God and family, and the acts of goodwill toward others.
The Manhood Concept encompasses the following:
1. Knowledge of Self - this is the infinite understanding of who he is. Since knowledge is infinite, knowing thyself is always a continued progression toward enlightenment and acceptance. It is the inner strength that develops through experiences and accomplishments to build his strength and character. He is comfortable in his skin and feels no need to live according to society’s standards. His happiness is born from within and never feels the need to resort to materialism or others to find his happiness. With his inner strength he enlightens and supports others by sharing his life lessons to develop others in good faith. He recognizes his position under the higher power in whom he believes sustains his life.
2. Respect of Women – this is the complete acceptance and appreciation of his feminine counterparts – Mothers, Wives, Daughters, Female Friends, and Women as a whole. He understands the relationship between his being and theirs. He exercises patience, compassion, acceptance, love, and respect accordingly. Though challenged by their wisdom and even their sexuality, he appreciates their beauty, respects it, but stands firm to never compromise his relationships with women in his own circle – be it mother, wife, or daughter. He restrains himself and puts his emotions after theirs. He protects, supports, defends, loves, and appreciates the woman, for he understands that without the woman he would never be.
3. Family Oriented – this is the position he takes to secure his immediate circle. He puts no one above or in between his immediate family. No material objects, no social statuses, no habitual behaviors, and no “other-woman†ever penetrate the inner circle. He understands by allowing himself to succumb to these distractions, he not only affects himself, but also the lives of ALL members of his family. Because of this, he does not dance by the fire. Instead he denies himself of old pleasures to sustain his new and mature life for his family and their future. He recognizes the importance of maintaining the family-unit and does all he can to preserve and protect it.
4. Accountable – this is the value that separates the man from the hypocrites. When he speaks, his words are bonded in truth to give the assurance that, within reason, your fight is also his fight. He puts others before himself. He gives of himself and is quick to be the confidant, the listener, the person of wisdom, and the person of reason. His ways are above the mind of hypocrites who claim to account - but never do. Though he is not perfect by any means, he does strive to offer himself genuinely and with no expectation. If he is unable to account for anything, he is first to make it known.
5. God Fearing – this is the belief and understanding that God, who is omnipotent, all-powerful, and supreme, deserves all credit for everything in existence. God receives the highest seat in his life. The man understands that he did not create himself by himself, but was formed by God and was given a life by God to live life accordingly. He knows that all he possesses is possible because God has given unto him. He knows that his food, clothing, and shelter have been provided by God. He understands that the life lessons he has experienced have been set by God so that he can learn and evolve as a man. The man blesses God for all he has and is not afraid to acknowledge God in the presence of others. He knows that God is bigger than religion and their doctrines. He knows that God is good and he attempts to exercise good behaviors in an effort to please God for all that he has done for him.
Final Note: The Manhood Concept is a way of life for all. Though it was constructed and geared to define the qualities of a man, the concept, I believe, can apply to the lives of women as well. By first having Knowledge of Self, anyone with a desire to do well should be able to live their life in truth. By Respecting your other half, you compensate in their half for your weaknesses. The balance between woman and man comes full circle if respect is given to each other. Staying Family Oriented, keeps your immediate circle grounded and strong. You work as ants in a colony to help each other be better people. Being Accountable proves that you stand by what you say and do. You are dependable and therefore giving of yourself for the lives of others. And lastly, being God Fearing demonstrates your understanding of being less than God Himself. It is through God that you draw your strength and through God you are able to succeed in this life.
Peace!
Matt Velez
WE'RE ON OUR WAY!!!