Every once and a while I run across a short article that just makes “plain sense” in this mixed up culture of ours. One areas of great confusion is the stereotyping of the male and female roles. While men have generally failed relationally to meet the needs of women in our culture, I think the feminist have gone too far in their pained reaction . So I was pleasantly surprised to read an article by Camile Paglia in “Time” magazine regarding some of her thoughts on men in our culture
Here is some of what she had to say. “Is it any wonder that so many high-achieving young women….find themselves n the early stages of their careers in chronic uncertainty or anxiety about their prospects for an emotionally fulfilled private life? When an educated culture routinely denigrates masculinity and manhood, then women will be perpetually stuck with boys, who have no incentive to mature or to honor their commitments. And without strong men as models to either embrace or (for dissident lesbians) to resist, women will never attain a centered and profound sense of themselves as women.”
That in my humble estimation is a profound insight into our cultural confusion. With the relentless pounding men have taken in our culture, men are fleeing emotionally and relationally, behaving as “boys” (think of the beer ads during football games). They simply don’t want to grow up. A cultural vacuum is produced in which there are no male models standing up to the destructive winds of culture. As a result women suffer for our immaturity. But we read in Genesis 2:15, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” Primary responsibility was given to the man. But man needed help. God said, “It ‘s not good for the Man to be alone; I’ll make him a helper, a companion” (Gen 2:20). In other words, men need help, not competition or “mothering.” Male and female are to work together.
So I say to every may reading this blog, “Stand on your own two feet” and be a man, giving those feminist something to talk about. They are dealing with “real men.” Take the cultural mandate given to you by your heavenly Father, and with courage and grace fulfill your mandate. I have always taken this seriously, while failing more then I would like to admit. But by God grace, I will stand. With all my heart I want to finish strong. But here is what I need to remember. First, “when I am weak, then I am strong” (II Cor 12:10). Secondly, “In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence” (Eph. 3:12). Thirdly, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit’ (Ps 34:18)
So what does this mean for every man reading this blog? First, in the strength of Jesus you can stand. Yes, you can stand. Secondly, you can take your stand with confidence. Your heavenly Father will never leave or forsake you. Thirdly, God knows the struggle of your wounded and broken heart. Yes, there are times when it gets real tough. But your heavenly Father knows your pain. He is the healer of broken and wounded hearts.
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