Tag: #BrothersSpeak

Posted on

Be Strong

Post by Mr. Chris Vann, Detroit, Michigan
I have two sons growing up in a society that seems to be opposed to men of color. But the opposition does not matter, because if God is for you, then who can be against you? (Romans 8:31)

Photo by Dellon Thomas from Pexels

I know what it’s like to live as a Black man in America. First of all, you have to know who you are in the Lord. Put God first and know that you are more than a conqueror, despite what the world says and despite what life throws at you. Be encouraged as you walk in the strength of God’s love and His peace. Of course, it’ll seem like things will be hard. Those challenges only make you stronger. Never give up. Never give in. Fight the good fight, walking in God’s peace and love. Never let your heart be shattered.

Being a young man takes patience. Young man, be encouraged. Never give in or give up, for you are truly more than a conqueror. (Romans 8:37) Always speak the positive over yourself. Never allow yourself to think negative. You truly are a blessed man of the Most High. He put you here for a purpose. Recognize that only God and God alone has you in the palm of His hand. It doesn’t matter where you come from. What matters is where you’re going. Keep walking the straight path. When you feel alone sometimes, know that you’re not alone. When you feel weak and given to worry, know that God’s got you. No matter what people may say, know that you are blessed. Be a leader not a follower. You are a mighty man of valor. Yes, you may fall several times, but know that you will reach your destination. Be strong young man.

Be strong mama, as you put your hands to the plow. Raising a boy into a man is a labor of love. Your son will never forget all that you’ve done for him. Even though at times it seems like it doesn’t matter, surround yourself with men of faith who will speak positively into his life.

Raising children is a blessing. It’s a great joy. Love them and teach them to love, not hate. Teach them to care, and not be selfish. Teach them to be sensitive, but not weak. Teach them to trust, and not be afraid. Know that it is possible.

This is how I raised my sons.

Posted on

In Honor Of My Father

(excerpt from the book Man-U-Script)

Oliver Ratney

by Oliver R. Ratney: My father showed me that a man who is dedicated to the well being of his children exemplifies an authentic characteristic of manhood. He showed me that a man is one who is present in the lives of his children.

My dad was a hardworking dedicated man. He held down a couple of jobs, in addition to being a single father for most of my formative years. He made sure that he provided for the family. (I get my work ethic from him.) He was intentional about creating memorable experiences with and for us. I can say without hesitation that I enjoyed my childhood with him.

He took us to different places to see different things. He’d take me to the Cubs and White Sox games, and to football games. We went to basketball games, to auto shows, and all that kind of stuff. I do the same with my kids, to show them that there’s more to life than being glued to a computer.

There was no one like him. My father had a presence that commanded respect, one that made you straighten up quick. He wasn’t super strict, but he meant business. When I did wrong, I paid the price. For the most part and because of him, I was wise enough not to chase trouble or bow to peer pressure. I knew what he could do, and I didn’t want to incur the wrath. Like I said, he was a presence. He was more of a threat than the gang. If I even thought to entertain gang life, I’d have been more afraid of dealing with him than with anyone out in the street. And, without too many words, he made sure I knew it.

My dad’s primary focus was to make sure that we were provided for – food, clothing, roof over our heads, and positive experiences. He wasn’t always involved as I would have liked, but he was the pillar of strength, the stability and the father that we needed. More importantly, we knew he loved us.

Posted on

Raising Young Men Is A Progressive Work

Post by Adofa Williams, Trinidad & Tobago
I can relate to single women raising a child who will eventually grow up to be a man. I come from a single parent home where my mother tried her best to raise my sister and I in the right way. I have seen my mother cry and laugh. Growing up we had very little to nothing. Many times over mom made sure that we ate, while leaving herself undone – with only faith in the Lord holding her together. I can go on and on about all the sacrifices my mother made. Her sacrifices and all that she did made me the man I am today, for which I am thankful.

Photo by Muhammadtaha Ibrahim Ma’aji from Pexels

I am a single parent with kids of my own. I learned from my own life experiences and from the guys I grew up with. Along the way I picked up some real life teachable moments that have helped me to raise my young sons into men. Having experienced what I went through growing up, I worked hard to keep my kids from going through those same things. Today I can proudly say that I am happy that my sons didn’t have to get involved in or do some of the things that I did. Believe me, I have done some real irresponsible things.

I believe that men who grow up with only female leadership can do both harm and good. A mother can teach young men but so much. A critical part of what she teaches a son is how to relate to a woman’s needs and how to comfort her. With all the good a mother does, a man is needed in a boy’s life to give him structure. It’s not that a woman can’t do the same, but women are nurturers by nature and men are constructive protectors. I must admit I’m still learning, as I didn’t have a real father figure to teach me how to be a man. Raising young men is a progressive work. I continue to instill in my sons the necessary wisdom, so they will understand how to treat and interact with women. Through it all, there’s nothing like a praying mother.

You ask how will you know you’ve done a good job as a parent, It’s when you see your children grow up and reciprocate the love you gave them back to you and to their new family.

Being a parent is a never ending job.