I wrote this version of the 23rd Psalm as part of my response to both the portrayal of men today as well as how men tend to project themselves in our popular culture. I grew up in a place and time where maleness was prized and the alpha-male ruled both family and community. I found it hard to express myself even to those I loved the most and I never flourished in that environment; constantly feeling as if I were on the outside of it. In time, I grew into other communities and relationships where this was not the norm and for that I am deeply grateful.
However, I now see that once again the visions and examples of maleness are warping and distorting leaving such sad examples for us. To me this is even more disturbing when we know these are the role models for younger men and boys to emulate. These examples are not just politicians or business tycoons. No, these examples that we see each day are heralded as men of real faith. Today, supposed Christian men scream hate and disdain at others; insult their wives and measure themselves against the size of their hands. Men are told even by ministers of mega-churches to “man-up” and to not be soft; carry a big weapon and be ready to use it. Leave nuance and tenderness to women whom men feel empowered to control even to the point of legislation about their bodies and lives. It is not a long road from there to owning them for pleasure and sport.
We men victimize ourselves in this process. This view of maleness leaves men isolated, lonely and scared. It leaves us without the joy of the company of other men as we become more and more insulated from each other. Then, we are left with nothing for we cannot exist as men if we are left alone in the brambles of life. When we find ourselves so alienated from other men, we will flail around and strike out at whatever seems to threaten us; even to the point of rejecting a shepherd; there to give us a hand or a shoulder. I want to offer and clearly vocalize an alternative paradigm:
My brother is my shepherd.
I know his presence for
he invites me to warm myself
in the fires of our friendship.
He upholds me as a man.
He points me to paths
I may have missed and
forgives my fears.
Though I may be sad
or discouraged or angry
he will restore me with his
patience and his belief in me.
Although the world defies
my understanding and leaves
me scared and scarred, in our
friendship I am made whole again.
My brother helps me to
remove obstacles from my
path. His assurance anoints
my very being. My heart
can be assured
and my life can be content.
Surely all is good and
all is fulfilled as I dwell
in the bond of our shared
brotherhood.
1 Comment
Lonnie this brings me close to tears with it’s truth and power. Thank you for putting into words what is happening to both women and men. Your poem is a powerful message for men and hope for women….