Real Men

There’s nothing like having a real man in your life… especially as a young man. I had the privilege of being raised by a “Man’s Man.” The thing about a man’s man is they have little patience for wimpy or dishonorable males. That being said, Dad’s friends were themselves men among men.

What brings this to mind this cold Saturday morning, was the passing of President George HW Bush. During one of his funeral services, Bob Dole stood from his wheelchair and saluted his good friend and fellow combat veteran. Senator Dole required assistance from another man to honor his friend. He saluted with his combat injured arm. I’m sure his salute at attention was sharp and textbook as a twenty something while he was putting his life on the line for our country. However, there has not been a more perfect salute than what we witnessed this week.

The salute made me think about the men I have been blessed to have in my life. I learned the value of honor, respect, true strength, consistency, and though it was hard for many of them to say… love. Dad and his friends were the ones who taught me these values. They all loved their wives, their kids, and their community. It thrilled me to be around these MEN as I was learning who I was.

Dad and his friends were each unique. They all had different strengths and challenges. However, they each had these honorable qualities. When I was around these men as a boy, I learned there are different approaches to life. With that, the end goal was the same.

As a man, we love our wives.

As a man, we love, teach, and support our children.

As a man, we love our daughters and teach then to be strong and capable.

As a man, we love our sons and teach them to be strong and accountable.

As a man, we treat other women as sisters and provide a safe environment to flourish.

As a man, we mentor young men. We give extra support to the fatherless.

As a man, we make sure our parents are honored in their golden years.

As a man of Faith, honor God and his Word in all decisions. If someone is of another belief, show them the love of Christ.

As a man, we give 100% in our careers. There are no free rides worth riding.

As a man, we may have a hard time communicating. However, we are there for the people in our lives regardless of our struggles.

As a man, our word is our bond. Circumstances may prevent our completion of our commitments. However, we don’t fail from lack of effort.

I have been blessed to be raised by a Man and around Men. As a young man, I was blessed to find Mentors. As I move forward through my forties, I have the honor of raising a son, mentoring and leading others.

Dan Turner Sr., Lee Royer, Jim Whitlock, Jim Turner, Jerry Whitlock, Steve Jones, Kent Medlin, Brad Gadberry, Jack Thornton,Doug Wilkerson, Howard Nunnelly, Roy Whitlock, James O. Turner, Walt Whitlock, Greg Wilkerson, and many others worthy of mention were the MEN who demonstrated to this child and young man what it means to be a man. I honor each of them who have passed. I am thankful for those who are with us. Without you men, I would not have known who to allow to speak into my life through the years.