I could go back to my childhood to look at where I might have built my views on what it takes to be a 'real man'. There were many influences in my childhood from older male relatives to the male stars in movies, from characters in books to news and media stories. How close is the 'real man' to the real person?

I can still hear the old sayings, which were directed at me more times than I care to remember. 'Big...

A strong man works out every day to keep his body in shape ...
but a man of strength kneels in prayer to keep his soul in shape...

A strong man isn't afraid of anything ...
but a man of strength shows courage in the midst of his fear...

A strong man won't let anyone get the best of him ...
but a man of strength gives the best of himself to everyone...

A strong man makes mistakes and avoids the same in the future...
a man of strength realizes life's mistakes can also be God's blessings ...