Man Up

“It used to be that if you were under performing at work, your supervisor would take you into the back room tell you like it is and would tell you it’s time to Man Up!”  Jason explained. “Now a days,” he continued, “they bring in you the back and say ‘I used to have a problem like that, I know it’s difficult, we need you to try harder so we are going to track your progress and I’m here to help you and to talk about anything you want.’” Though words on a page barely do justice to his overly exaggerated enactment of this scene, his point bears some reflection. Man up! It’s a great phrase with immense power.   

Now I’m thankful we live in a Title IX society and for the opportunity to play sports competitively, for the advancement of women’s roles in education, sports, business to name a few. However, there is a vital distinction to be made: equality is not sameness. What does it mean to be a man? How does one live it in today’s society? Now, I’m not going to say I know how to be a man. I do, however, want to say that authentic manhood is attractive.

As St. JPII and Bl. Frassati demonstrated there is something awesome, courageous, inspiring, and life giving that comes when one lives authentic masculinity. It is not only vital for the revitalization of our culture but for our hearts. There is something attractive when a man mans up. Some of us have seen it; others of us have heard of it; hopefully, you have experienced it. Men, do you know the vital role you play to your friends, sisters, girlfriend, fiancé, and/or wife? Men, do you know the value you have in affirming us, protecting us, supporting us, and romancing us? The true man knows the precious role he plays and does everything to prepare his heart, mind, body, and soul so as to step up and man up so that he may respond with courage as God calls.

Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati, form our men into manly men of God. St. John Paul II, affirm their goodness and their desires for authentic masculinity. Show them they are called to be uniquely courageous and strong and that as they answer this call it will lead them on an adventure that will surpass all expectations. Thank you for giving them the courage to respond to this invitation to an adventure of a lifetime.

Verso l’alto,

Kathryn Grace

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCTJmXrgsFg&feature=kp

You got plenty of time for tomorrow - you focus on TONIGHT!
It's I got your number, I got your back
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlXDo5WhQXI