On Good Hearted Men. (From Watford Observer)

On Good Hearted Men.

3:38pm Tuesday 29th September 2009 in Connections

I have a feeling that there are too many bottles of wine that have been drunk over the failings of men, over broken hearts and over the wrong men. I have a feeling that one disastrous relationship leads us to believe that all men will act in that way and we are left cynical, disheartened and always ready to put men down and to criticise.

This week I gave my male friends the opportunity to speak some words of wisdom to the girls that I teach. Impart some words of advice that the girls could carry with them. When I was fifteen, a guy spoke words into my life which I have never forgotten and this has positively shaped how I see men. I wondered if it was possible to re-construct this on a larger scale.

After I sent the e-mail asking for this, I have to admit I was waiting for either a. no response at all, or b. one word answers. As the e-mails poured back, with heartfelt words of encouragement of men to young girls, I was reduced into tears as restoration happened in my own heart and I saw the potential this had to literally change lives.

‘If I could say one thing, it would be that you are a princess of INFINITE VALUE. Always remember that is who you are and others will see that in you.’ I’m taking two of my male friends into school today, to be quizzed by the girls on what boys are like. I asked them last week if they could just think about saying a 2 minute little talk about how they have learnt to value girls. Both of them have gone away and poured more into these two minutes than I could ever have hoped for. They have gone above and beyond to encourage these girls. Is this just because I know great guys, or is there something at the heart of man who wants to affirm, to lead and to encourage women? I didn’t just sent that e-mail out to softies, I sent it out to lads lads, and although they probably wouldn’t admit it, they were the first to respond.

Today, opinions are going to be changed. Not by force or heavy teaching, but from gentle authority. For a generation which is increasingly growing up without strong male role models, I am incredibly proud to know these men. Men who will grow up to be phenomenal fathers, husbands and leaders.