Gò0dNews for Men
The True Measure of a Man by Dr. J. Adam Lowe
I
have been blessed with many amazing male mentors and
My grandfather knew this truth and taught it by
figures in my life. Though very different, I have absorbed
example. He knew that his job was to protect others. He
lessons from all of them. To be a student of life is to listen
protected me and that is why I felt safe. I had no doubt he
to those who know better or best. My grandfather was one
could crush anyone who crossed him, but his strength was
such influence. To this day, I hear his voice in very specific
coupled with self-control and compassion. An old adage
moments. His words ring in my head as if he was there
comes to mind: “When daddy stands guard at the mouth of
coaching me in the moment.
the cave, everyone sleeps soundly.”
When I think of the man he was and things about him I want to emulate, I think of his strength. He was a strong
This is the comfort we find in our Creator. He is allpowerful and mighty. He is the Lord of the Earth, yet He
man, not body-builder strong, but “hardened by work” strong. He served in the Army in World War II and spent most of his career as a janitor. As a child, I remember watching him do yardwork or housework. I remember how rough and beaten his hands were and how it seemed like he could muscle through any task. I wanted to grow to be as strong as my grandfather one day. I wanted to be him. My grandfather was also kind. His love was simple. You love God, you love family, and you love others. I witnessed his heart for helping and his inclusive tone, but it left me conflicted. How could a man so strong seem so…soft? Though his hands were rough, I still
describes His love in greater capacity than His strength. We
wanted to crawl into his lap. I was never afraid of him, but
find peace with Him. We find refuge with Him. We find rest
rather, I was drawn to him.
with Him.
What I was coming to realize was that strength
I hope to be as strong as my grandfather and create the
shouldn’t generate fear. Rather, it should generate comfort
same atmosphere of safety. I hope my sons see that image of
and a sense of safety. For many men, masculinity is
God in me. This is the lesson I want them to know, for it is
projecting strength, but what many of those men fail to
the truest measure of a man.
recognize is that true strength is not based in intimidation. domestic violence never learned. It is the lesson some fathers never teach.
12 // July 2022
About The Author
It is based in security. It is the lesson perpetrators of
Dr. J. Adam Lowe is a professor of public policy with Liberty University and an author. His book Naked True: Uncovering Truth in a #FakeWorld can be purchased where books are sold. He resides in Calhoun, TN, with his wife and four children.
