Before I got there I had heard a lot of good things about Thailand. It is the only southeast Asian nation not to be conquered and colonized by a European nation which has helped it to preserve it's unique culture. It is a prime vacation and resort spot with beautiful sandy white beaches. It has great food and friendly people, giving it the nickname "The Land Of A Thousand Smiles". But for all of the good things that Thailand has going for it there is one thing that keeps it in the dark. It is one of the largest transit points for human trafficking in the world. Hundreds, possibly even thousands or millions, of women and children are bought and sold everyday during this act of modern day slavery. While I didn't get to experience the effects of this directly during the month I was able to help provide some relief for those that have decided to make the transition out of that way of life and in the process learn a little bit about what it means to really be a man but not just any man, a Christian man, a man after God's own heart.
When our society pictures a man, typically images of Arnold Schwartzenager and Sylvester Stallone are the first to come to mind. These men are physically strong, emotionally stoic and mentally sound. Basically, they have it all together and they make sure that everyone around them knows it. By presenting a strong front they are able to keep everyone at arm's length. For them, any sign of vulnerability is a sign of weakness and weakness means that they're not really a man. Basically, it hurts their image. Thanks to the promotion of Hollywood and other media outlets, we've taken on this belief that image is everything and we have to preserve it at all costs. Jesus takes a completely different view on manhood. Real manhood, biblical manhood means letting God use your weaknesses to glorify him. Real manhood means celebrating vulnerability by allowing your brothers and sisters to hold you accountable by pointing out when you fall short and encouraging you to walk into the greatness that they see in you. Real manhood is withholding judgment and loving those who have no desire to be loved. It's time for us to realize that the world doesn't need more Juan Claude Van Dammes, it needs more Jesus.
