"Am I strong?"

Clay always tells me, "Mommy, I have to be strong!" or "I'm going to be strong, like Daddy!” If you have boys, I think you can relate with me on this. I have never heard him say, "I want to be strong, like Mommy." This isn't something we've taught him to say and to be honest, I probably wouldn't have even thought twice about it without reading a book called "Wild at Heart" by John Eldredge. It amazes me to think that without ever being taught, a boy knows the man in his life symbolizes power, strength, and courage. My boys see their Daddy as heroes, someone that will save the day, protect them from evil (which they may tell you at times is 'mommy'). But what gets my heart every time is when Clay asks his Dad, "I'm a super hero, right?" or "Watch Daddy, look how strong I am!" He wants that acknowledgement so much from Matt that yes, he is strong and big! His eyes light up every time Daddy reassures him of that. What's even more amazing is that Matt understands how important it is, without ever having to be told. He understands where Clay is coming from, because at one time in his life, he wanted the same question answered for him.... "Am I strong?” A question only a male could answer for him. I can tell Clay all day long how strong he is, but it sure doesn't mean the same coming from me. Boys of any age understand that masculinity can only be communicated through another male. Essentially it can only be received by another male, usually their Dads. Matt, unfortunately didn't get the answers he was looking for from his Dad all the time. But thankfully, his question was answered by his Papa, a very strong male figure in his life. To which he did a priceless thing for my husband. And it is to him that I attribute Matt understanding the importance of letting his boys know how big and tuff they are. They eat up every bit of praise from him and I take so much joy in knowing my boys will grow up with full confidence in themselves as men. In turn they will try their hardest to honor their father by becoming the best men they can be. So, I've said all that to say this.... Make sure your boys have a strong male influence in their lives. If it absolutely can't be their father, then make sure it's someone who will steer them in the right direction. These last few generations are missing so many real men and it' because of the absence of fathers. Boys are growing up angry and without a clue as to how they are suppose to act as men. To MEN... You are important and we women could not do this without you!