Books

 When was the last time you allowed yourself to be truly vulnerable? If you ask most women, they might say yesterday or even earlier in the day. If you ask most men, however, you might get a question in answer to your question. One like this: What do you mean vulnerable? You might get a similar answer if you substitute intimate for vulnerable. The fact is that many men consider vulnerability and intimacy, especially around other men, to be a weakness. It’s hard enough being vulnerable with our significant others, never mind other males. How many of us have dreaded hearing our significant other say the words, “We need to talk”? Well, you’re not alone. I grew up the same way. It’s the John Wayne approach of being a male. The idea is that stoicism makes us stronger as men. It’s the American way! But what if I told you there was a better way? What if I told you that vulnerability and intimacy can make us stronger as men, not weaker? Riding off into the sunset may make for a great image, but the hero is riding off alone in many of those old movies. But that is not how God intended us to live our lives.