Masculinity is in trouble. I mean, seriously, what is a “real man” anyway?

I heard a joke about a woman who asked her friends, “If Santa Claus, a ‘real man’ and Britney Spears were standing at a red light – which one would cross first when the light changed?” The friends were not sure, so she told them, “Well, of course it would be Britney Spears – the other two are figments of your imagination.”

I can’t say that I agree, but I do understand the frustration. And, I could quote research study after research study to prove the point, but I’m not sure it would help the situation at all. We all know it’s true, we’re struggling as men. And it’s time to do something about it.

So, the Men’s Leadership Team at Northside Christian Church and I decided to define “Real Men.” Here’s what we came up with:

“R.E.A.L. Men, committed to . . .

. . . Radical Integrity
. . . Effective Family Leadership
. . . Authentic Brotherhood &
. . . Loving God
. . . as We Enlarge the Borders of Heaven!”

It then became my task to write the thirteen lessons that eventually became the book, “REAL Men – Tackling the Biggest Issues All Men Face.”