A Man's Man

If I were to ask you to define the phrase, "man's man," you would most likely start out by describing this man's characteristics. He'd likely be strong, courageous, educated, a true gentleman with the ladies, capable of handling his liquor and, of course,'fit as a fiddle. Many popular movies feature a man's man character in the lead role. It is this guy who successfully fights injustice and evil, even while persevering against impossible odds. Some actors are almost synonymous with the man's-man concept. Among these would be Sylvester Stallone, Dolph Lundgren, Chuck Norris, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Bruce Willis, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sean Connery and John Wayne. Movie heroes are popular because they often portray real-life men's men. For example, John Wayne's character in the movie The Fighting Seabees is based on the real-life heroes of the Navy Seabees. His character in Hellfighters is loosely based on the real-life character of oil well firefighter Red Adair.

Beyond the fictional world of the silver screen, we have examples of men's men all around us. Police officers and firefighters respond with courage and speed to unknown disasters awaiting them; ambulance EMTs bandage the wounded and are faced with traumas requiring a steady head and hand; U.S. Armed Forces military personnel stand ready to deploy, engage and destroy the enemies of the United States of America.

The sports world offers examples of men who could wear the man's man label, too. Men such as Michael Jordon, Roberto Clemente, Jackie Robinson, Ted Williams, Jesse Owens and others have excelled not only on the athletic field, but in other areas of life. The just completed Olympics gave us a glimpse into future sports heroes, who may wear the man's man label in the future.

But, for me, a man's man is a man who accepts his responsibilities, honors his word, helps the needy, provides for his loved ones, gives and earns respect, speaks truthfully, lives his faith, and is not afraid to be authentic in his praise, emotions and admonitions.

Perhaps you know this man's man.

Perhaps to another you are this man.