I posted something on the socials for the first time 9 years ago. Today, I was reminded why I posted it (and reposted it a few years later). It speaks to the heart of true masculinity versus toxic masculinity and a whole lot of other ideas about manhood that involve lots of facial hair and muscles. It’s from Brant Hansen, who has a refreshingly unique take on Jesus and a lot of other things:

“A twitter hashtag about masculinity got me to thinking: If I’m to be a man like Jesus, what will I be like?

I will be a healer.
I will defend the powerless.
I’ll absolutely frighten and enrage the self-righteous.
I won’t be impressed by those with celebrity, credentials, or power.
I’ll be tremendously patient with people, well beyond what they “deserve”.
I will not take advantage of women.
And I’ll take them seriously.
I’ll subjugate my ego for the benefit of others.
The government will consider me, and my kind, a threat.
The religious power structure will consider me, and my kind, a threat.
I’ll attract people with bad reputations, and the seemingly worthless.
I’ll welcome children.
I will exhibit meekness – power, under control. And whatever power I do have will not be used to crush people, but to set people free.”