"My dad could beat up your dad"

To paraphrase Socrates, a wise man knows how little he knows. Well, let’s propose another idea: “the strong man knows how weak he is.” 

One of the biggest struggles men face is recognizing our own weakness.

All throughout our lives, we’re taught that being a man means you’re strong, independent, self-sufficient, in need of no one. Men never cry and never ask for directions. There’s no room for weakness.

But, this is false. The truth is that we can’t do it alone, we do need help.

And, here’s where we have a lot to learn from children. As much as kids might talk a big game, they know they’re dependent. They need someone else’s help.

Kids gain strength from the strength of those around them — parents, friends, coaches, the list goes one. How else could they say, “My dad could beat up your dad.”

In the same way, we as men are called to rely on the strength of the Father. Jesus tells us, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3-4)

By recognizing our own child-like dependence, we can grow in the virtue of humility, which helps us see ourselves more clearly in relation to God. In our own nothingness, we turn to the One who is everything.

In prayer, we call on God for strength and grace to face the struggles of our lives. We come to rejoice in the superiority of our Father. This is necessary because needing God’s help is not a matter of if, but when.

When trouble comes along, it is in our absolute confidence and faith in the Father that we can say, “My dad could beat up your dad.”