B’resheet (Genesis) 1:27 So God created humankind in his own image; in the image of God he created him: male and female he created them.
My brothers, please tell me – what exactly is a man? No really – I want to know your definition of manhood. I’m sure I can get a myriad of responses from the sisters. You know us. Women can have either a romanticized version of what we think a man is and how he should be, or we often embrace a broke-down image of masculinity, and some will go as far as to define manhood by a counterfeit. I’m not looking for all that this go ‘round. So sisters, hold your peace. I’m asking the brothers because I need some straight talk from a man. I’m asking you, my brothers, because nobody knows like you do what living life as a man, specifically a Black man, is like and what it should be, according to God’s design.
Another thing – what’s your story? What’s it like being a Black man in America? I want to hear your story because I’m as concerned for your wellbeing as a mother is for her child. Know this, that in no way am I inferring that you are a child. I simply make this comparison to confer the depth of my love. I don’t want to see any harm come to you, and I grieve beyond words when you die before the realization of your dreams. I’m your sister who sees the attack on your manhood, sometimes even before you do. I see the hit, and I do whatever I can to keep you from being struck down. I’m your mother, your wife, your daughter, your sister, your auntie, your niece, your cousin, your best friend. I’m not just an inquiring mind. I’m the woman who needs to know. 100! If you know you’re not correct or if you’re uncertain of what and how a man should be, just listen up and learn. Please, please DON’T answer.