If you’ve read many of my posts in the past there’s a good chance you’ve seen me quote an African proverb I learned from a Kenyan pastor: “The boys in the village must be initiated into manhood, or they will burn down the village…just to feel the heat.”
When I heard this statement it caused many observations I’ve had about our society to fall into place.
- It explains why fatherless inner-city gang members turn to violence.
- It explains why self-absorbed frat boys, with no healthy mentors, assert their will on women.
- It explains the profound urgency of father-son programs like Peregrine’s Passage to Manhood.
Watch this remarkable clip illustrating some mentors who have their eyes on the next generation of African American young men.
Man, am I glad for men like this! May their tribe increase.
My greatest joy in life is my family. I know, that sounds like the comment you’re supposed to make as a man and father. All I can say is I literally shake my head in wonder at the family I have: my wife Beryl; my daughter Barclay and son-in-law Vince, their four daughters, Bella, Brynn, Brooke and Blake; my son Alec, my son Conor and daughter-in-law Bonnie, their daughter Gemma and son Calvin. Every one of them is a genuine gift. Beyond that, I have a calling that I live out through Peregrine Ministries. It is to help men: Understand their identity in Christ, Embrace their role as men, and Live out their God-given calling in life. Bottom line is I’m convinced men matter and I want to help them live life on purpose.