Men at Work

Paul was eleven, Rico eight. They lived across the street with an alcoholic father. As a result, the boys spent lots of time at our house. I fixed flats, tightened handlebars, and had "help" in the garage from my two shadows. One day I realized, I'm doing more than just helping a couple of neighbor kids; I'm demonstrating masculinity to two boys.

Boys learn the meaning of manhood by being close to men. Not only was I fixing their bikes, among other things, I was ushering them toward masculinity and their place in the world of men.

Talking with young men, taking them with you, letting them stand close to you-these are some of the ways men pass on their legacy. Christ modeled it for us, and it still works today.