Men Making a Difference

Men can “abandon the field” or step up—and women can help

In the midst of a recent social media attack on a respected pastor by an activist Christian women’s group, I asked a few men for their thoughts. As one told me, “When I see someone criticizing a man as ‘abusive’ even though I didn’t see certain words or actions as abusive at all, I automatically want to stop trying. To abandon the field. Because if you’ll be seen that way just because you handle things differently, why would you put yourself out there? If these amazing men of faith are being so brutally attacked on social media, what hope do I have? Better to not try to be part of the church. It’s for women.”

In talking to my husband, Jeff, about this, he shared an important perspective and challenge to men who might feel the same way: “Sometimes there’s the sense that people think men are almost inherently abusive. We think, ‘This is how women feel about all of us.’ But that is not true, either. Those who imply that about men are themselves just a few bad actors. They are loud but they aren’t representative. I don’t think that is how we are truly seen. So we need to step up instead of just give up.”

That is exactly what the Dads on Duty did. That amazing group of men saw such success in their efforts that they now want to form chapters around Louisiana and hopefully throughout the country. I hope there is explosive encouragement for any man who wants to do that.

And from this woman here, I’d like to thank this group of men from the bottom of my heart, for not only staying on the field but for winning the game.

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