Down these mean streets a man must go who is not himself mean, who is neither tarnished nor afraid. Raymond Chandler 1944
There is a great temptation to become bitter, to become harsh and mean. Our culture has made heroes of Hannibal Lector, Dexter, Jack Bauer men who are certainly mean indeed they are murderous. Alternatively, men and boys are encouraged to reject their masculinity to consider that being competitive and being strong is ‘toxic masculinity’.
I reject this there is a calling on men to be the hero, to be a great father (or mentor) to be able to stand.
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 1 Cor 16:13