Boys make me laugh. We’ve been blessed with a handful of little nephews to love and spoil. We thoroughly enjoy every moment, engaging in pirate battles, sword-fighting, ball games, and endless superhero adventures. They dress in costumes, turn sticks into weapons, and attempt many things that end in bruises and skinned knees. Donned in their mask and cape, they fearlessly save their Mama from “the bad guy” whomever he may be. Curious, wild, adventurous; daring to test the limits of their own boundaries. They desire to be brave, to win challenges, to be a hero. As John Eldredge put it, “deep in his heart, every man longs for a battle to fight, an adventure to live, and a beauty to rescue.”

But somewhere along the way kids can lose their spirit of adventure. Risks are discouraged. Dangers, avoided. Their strong, willful spirit is subdued. Failures increase. Self-doubt ensues. And the boy starts to wonder if he has what it takes…to succeed, to be a hero, to be a man.

In these crucial moments, I’m concerned about Continue reading →