An Act of Heroism
This clip isn’t easy to watch, and my heart goes out to this mother and child. What a great example of virtue and TrueManhood from this husband and father. The man’s father puts it well by saying that love will fix the situation. It may seem ridiculous to some, but love heals. Afterall, do you think God liked seeing His Son dying on the cross? Not a chance. But, the love which Christ poured out for us, by giving up His life, was love at its core. This man, Brian Wood, knew what it meant to love.
This piece shows me several things:
- Our society has a drastically obvious double-standard about pro-life issues. Notice how this pregnancy happens to be a baby – in this setting – but in most others, it’s simply a blob, a tissue-mass or an embryo.
- Our society drastically misunderstands virtue. If you notice, several times the gentleman’s actions were misinterpreted, saying that he made a choice and acted. Although he did make a choice to sacrifice himself, he acted out of virtue. The virtue of courage was obviously a part of this man’s life.
- Our society will likely see a video clip like this and continue to abuse alcohol and drugs. Selfishness runs rampant in our culture. Fight it by not being selfish. Be a selfless servant.
My condolences to the family.
TrueMan u!
How Does a Single Man Live Love?
I didn’t really speak to this in my previous post… how a single man lives love. I spoke about how a married man can live love and how he can show his wife love, but nothing specifically for a single man. Let’s dive in.
[Let’s say that our single guy isn’t in a dating relationship, courtship or engagement.] He still follows the principles laid out in the Catechism (CCC 1822) about what charity is and he realizes that all he does should be out of love for God and love for neighbor. I think it’s easiest to understand this idea (of living love) if a single man lives life as a servant, with the intention of bringing glory to God. Essentially, a single man lives love the same way a married man does, he simply directs his love towards others differently; a married man has a wife and maybe children that he loves above all other humans – if you’re not a husband or a father you’ll understand what I mean if you become one.
Often times, the word love is distorted to mean something (only) having to do with romance and/or intimacy. Not true. Obviously, marital love tends towards romance/intimacy, but marital love should stem from the same foundation that God’s love (specifically, Christ’s love for us on the cross) does. This foundation is life-giving, selfless and sacrificial. It might be easier to get the distinction if we use the word charity in place of love. As we think about what a charity does (helps people, lends a tender hand, comforts, protects, continually thinks about the welfare of others, etc.) it might make it easier for us to understand what living charity means.
A verse to think about:
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 says: “Charity is patient and kind. It is not jealous, it does not boast. It is not arrogant or rude. Charity does not insist on its own way. It is not irritable or resentful. It does not rejoice in wrong, but rejoices in right. Charity bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
If you’re a single man, are you always patient? In traffic, at work, in line at the grocery store? Are you arrogant or rude? Do you think more of yourself than others based off petty worldview mentalities? Are you irritable? Easily frustrated, constant mood swings or uncontrollable rage? Do you rejoice in others failures or struggles? Think about your life in connection with this verse.
Man up!
Lenten Devotion – Selflessness
We took an amazing trip to San Luis, Colorado yesterday. There, among the high-desert plain and the rock-covered mountains, stands the Shrine to the Stations of the Cross. It’s a marvelous experience, hiking up the mountain side, following the footsteps of Jesus; from his death-sentencing until He resurrects from the tomb. We had a group of 34 people, led by Fr Joe and Deacon Bob.
As we walked the rocky ground, contemplating the weight of the cross beam on Jesus’ shredded back (shredded from the scourging at the pillar),I was in awe of just how difficult Christ’s journey must have been. And while contemplating the journey, I realized that I’m simply not selfless enough. He gave everything for me (and you), yet, I’m still prone to selfish desires and self-serving interests.
The culture wants men to believe that it’s all about them; their needs, their desires. That a man can plow through any innocent bystander if they impede his progress of attaining his goal(s). Get get get, take take take – never worrying about taking anyone out along the way. Being self-serving is actually self-reliance, self-defense and self-preservation – they say. In reality, a man should be self-denying, self-sacrificing and self-giving. He is called to attend to the needs of others before his own. He is called to defend, protect and build up, even if it means blood, sweat and tears. A True Man follows Christ’s example.
Man up!
Following an Example
I have a person in my life that exemplifies something that I strive for. This person, by their actions, calls me to something better than what I produce, in a way that isn’t judgmental, harsh or overtly obvious. This person simply acts in a way that entices me to perform in a better way. This person is my wife, Catherine. What she does is she lives a life that is selfless and always life-giving. When it comes to the kids, the house, work or family time, she always puts the needs of the rest of us first. And she does it in the smallest things. For instance, when she shops for groceries, she always buys what I like over what she likes. When we’re going out as a family, she always gets the girls ready, their bag ready, their toys ready… on and on. 
There’s an important lesson here –> Men can, and should, learn from women. Women typically show us a different perspective, a different point of view, a different emotion, a different thought process and usually a different plan. Notice that I said different… not better, not worse, simply different. This different perspective can (like in the situation above) guide us towards stronger manliness, if we choose to respond. Choosing to respond to a higher calling, to be a better man, is a major piece in achieving True Manhood. Many men think that manliness comes from the denial of the female perspective, however, I know differently. If I held that position, I would be the opposite of my wife… I would be forever selfish and consumed with my own desires. Thanks for setting such a great example Babe.
