Boys into Men

When you hear about teenage boys in the news, it’s usually because they’re in trouble. Boys who act out get all the headlines. Which is too bad because a far greater number of teenage boys exhibit good character. They make their moms and dads proud. They don’t take from their communities; they serve them.

How do we raise boys into men with that kind of character? Mentoring. Mentoring is when an older man comes alongside a younger man and guides him through the challenges of life with wisdom and grace. That idea brings to mind a group of teenage boys from Texas who joined the fight against a wildfire that threatened their hometown. Ranging in age from 14 to 17, the boys paired with older, more seasoned firefighters who shared their knowledge and stood with the boys, shoulder to shoulder, as they battled the flames.

Mentoring used to be common. Dads were role models. They taught their boys how to work hard, how to build things, and how to treat others with respect. They were present and engaged and guided their boys into strong, confident men who did what was right, for their own households and for their communities.

Most boys will never fight a wildfire, but every young man needs a caring father, a coach, or a reliable mentor who teaches him to navigate relationships, handle social pressure, and channel his strength toward a higher purpose.