Well, I have a copy of ‘Meditations’ on my bedside table right now.

I think that there has been a lot of cultural attacks on men and lots of cultural opinions on appropriate roles for them in the family and in society.  In part from bad behavior being called out and in part from working so hard to empower young women that boys can be overlooked.  And there are plenty of kids out there without much of a dad figure.

I think it’s great that you are involved in youth ministry.  I am involved in Men’s fellowship and work one on one and in small groups with men in our church.  Lots of boys and men are lonely, need role models, need to see appropriate masculine behavior acted out in front on them, not only in how they talk to others but in how they serve others and bear burdens and pursue goals for themselves, their family, and their community.  You might be setting more of an example than you think.

One of my friends who led a jr/sr high youth group for a while was very frustrated with his co-leader, who was faithfully albeit rigidly trying to teach a curriculum when it was apparent to him that many of the younger folks needed a place to discuss age-appropriate issues, discuss how to relate that week’s sermon to today’s society, and just process the events of the week and the news in a Christian- friendly atmosphere.

Some local guys started a morning Men’s group one day a week before work, like 6am.  Couple songs, couple announcements, someone does 5 mins on a relevant verse or story of God moving, and then break up into small tables and discuss issues weighing on their hearts.  Confidentially.  I’ve heard my share of hard stories shared by strong men who aren’t asking for any quarter, but just a place to lay out their burden where someone else recognizes what they are carrying.  It’s been real good.

Don’t let your heart be hardened - reach into the need.