Bodily vigor is good, and vigor of intellect is even better, but far above both is character. In the long run, in the great battle of life, no brilliancy of intellect, no perfection of bodily development, will count when weighed in the balance against that assemblage of virtues, active and passive, of moral qualities, which we group together under the name of character. Of course this does not mean that either intellect or bodily vigor can safely be neglected. On the contrary, it means that both should be developed. Character is forged on the anvil of experience.
"It’s not often you meet a 17-year old like Nick Grassie. He’s a high school senior, and he’s spending his free time building beds in order to help siblings entering the state foster care program stay together."1 Having been part of a broken and displaced home himself, his mission to build beds is quite personal.
I am writing because I believe we are at a critical juncture for boys.
It has been said, “Difficult times make strong men.” The present challenges facing our nation create a unique opportunity to cultivate the men of tomorrow. Will we grow men of character and courage who are competent to face the challenges of the future?
Pastors and ministry leaders: Raise your hand if college or seminary prepared you for protecting children from abuse, religious liberty battles or the culture war over gender and sexuality.
No? Well, you’re certainly not alone! As America seems to be transitioning to a post-Christian era, our churches and ministries walk a slippery and perilous tightrope.
“Strength is the glory of manhood. Manhood and strength are synonymous.” – James Isaac Vance
The boys came prepared in teams of four for a highlight challenge of the Daniel Boone Base Camp Event. Each year Trailmen compete to build a fire tall enough to burn a marker string, boil water, and steep coffee for their Troopmaster to drink. This year, however the planning team added a twist. The fire had to be started by friction.
Will McCarty and his father Britt worked together to begin the first Trail Life Troop in the state of Mississippi. Now six years later, a dream has come true. Will has become the first Freedom Rangeman in Trail Life Troop MS-0009, and a new legacy has begun.
What Fathers Do for Sons: They Help Them Become Men
We all want our boys to become good, hard-working, intelligent, kind, happy people. But we want more than this don’t we? We want them to become men; men who possess all these qualities and more. What parent would ever say “I don’t really care whether my boy becomes a man just as long as he’s a good person?” The road for boys leads toward manhood. It’s important for men to consider what fathers do for their sons to help them along that road.
