Manhood : The Basics
Developing and Maintaining Virtue
Men,
It has been 6 years since I founded Catholic Manhood. How far we have come! While I believe the course has been kept throughout these years with a consistent message, I think it best to return to the basics. The meat and potatoes - embodying Catholic masculinity and virtue. Let’s refresh.There is a huge difference between being a good man and being good at being a man. To be a good man, we must both develop and maintain our masculinity. To be a good man means to develop and maintain virtue. Both are vital. The goal of Catholic Manhood is to develop both sides of that. This article aims to define how to be a good man and how to be a good one.
Physical Strength
A man must build his body. Lifting and other exercise is critical. A man is able to endure. Modern man has pretended to forget that physicality is ingrained in us. A man may be defeated physically, but strength mixed with courage is a recipe for victory.
Mental Fortitude
As men we must be mentally strong. We are the rock of our families and the solid foundation. A man must not feel sorry for himself or his lot. He is tasked with doing something about it. There cannot be any hint of a victim mentality. As a man, taking on obstacles head on is your job. Opposition is the focus. Deep down, you have what it takes to rise to the challenge.
Spiritually Mature
A man must be spiritually mature. A strong faith in the Holy Trinity is paramount. You cannot do this alone. A man must rely on God in all things. With God, everything is possible. For those with enough faith, mountains can be moved. Break the chains of sin. Walk with Christ.
Master of Emotions
Emotions exist and it is detrimental for the man to pretend they don’t or to simply ignore them. The key is to rule them. Harnessing emotion to accomplish what is in front of you will always be important for success.
Knowledge is Power
A man must be knowledgeable, not only in his field of work but in life. A man must seek understanding of the world he is in. A man begins with this : “I need to learn this”. Humility is key. You must admit your ignorance where it is present. Don’t sulk, learn. The more you know, the more capable you will become.
Push Your Limits
A man must challenge himself. Being content for long is not the way. Start getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. There will be success and failures. Celebrate when up and hunker down in your losses, but prepare for both. Challenges will change, it is the fight that must improve.
Courage
A man is not without fear, but a man will never let fear stop him. You must overcome or die trying. You have a family to protect and provide for. When the war is just, a man will spring to action.
Protect and Provide
Whether modern man admits this or not, these two things are the two pillars of masculinity. No matter how much you may not like to hear, it is YOUR duty to protect and provide for your family ; Physically and spiritually. Not just your family though, but of the weak. Ask not for a lighter weight, but broader shoulders.
Forgiveness
Be perfect like your Heavenly Father is perfect. Everyone is so quick to judge but did God judge you for your countless sins? Have mercy. A man is forgiving and gentle when the occasion calls for it. Be quick to forgive, be even quicker to pray. This is not to say a man should be naïve. The goal is innocence, NOT ignorance. Hold yourself to a high standard and hold your hand out for others.
Be the Creed
Nick
Catholic Manhood
Master of emotions is so damn hard. When your kids push your buttons and you feel taken for granted. Pushing through is key, but very hard
Just give me men like Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, aka, El Cid.