In a world where masculinity is often associated with toughness and unyielding strength, the concept of a “steel man” emerges as a refreshing and enlightened perspective.
The Steel Men Conference, a gathering aimed at empowering and inspiring men to thrive in God’s purpose for their lives, recently took place. The event brought together individuals from diverse backgrounds, offering a blend of enjoyable activities and insightful discussions on what it means to be a man in today’s world.
We had the privilege of interviewing two remarkable participants, Mr. Remi Agun, a member of the Worship team and the Creative Show Team, and Mr. Jide Sokeye, a member of the Faith Support and Counseling team, each offering unique insights and perspectives from the conference. Let’s delve into their thoughts and takeaways from the event.
Defining a Steel Man.
When asked to define a “steel man,” Mr. Remi simply said, “Me.” This assertion captures the essence of the conference–a gathering that empowers men to embody both strength and flexibility, allowing them to lead with resilience and adaptability.
Embracing Vulnerability for Growth and Wholeness.
These two men redefined vulnerability, often misconstrued as a sign of weakness,. Mr Remi highlighted the essence of vulnerability in his own words. He emphasized that being a steel man involves creating a safe space where sharing and embracing uncomfortable tasks are celebrated. This willingness to step outside one’s comfort zone leads to not only personal growth but also to holistic and objective discussions that propel individuals forward.
While Mr Jide describes vulnerability as a man being able to acknowledge his weaknesses and is open to receiving support. This has some benefits including enhanced productivity, a sense of companionship, emotional healing, and the ability to assist others based on personal experiences.
While he encouraged men to embrace vulnerability, he also emphasized the importance of carefully choosing whom to be vulnerable to, considering factors such as one’s current life season and establishing seasoned relationships through friendships and mentorships that exhibit qualities of integrity and longevity.
Courage in the Face of Demands.
Our interviewees also provided invaluable perspectives on courage in today’s fast-paced world. According to them, men can achieve this by developing their capacity to meet demands and deliberately surrounding themselves with consistent sources of encouragement through supportive systems and individuals.
Mr Remi’s view aligns courage with a confidence in God. He says, ‘Believing in the confidence God affords is through Jesus.’
Financial Wisdom and Responsibility.
The qualities of a steel man extend beyond emotional and psychological realms to encompass practical aspects of life, such as financial wisdom. Our interviewees shed light on this crucial aspect from attending the conference. Here are some helpful financial tips they shared:
Budgeting: Assigning a purpose to every cent ensures financial clarity and discipline.
Investing: Capitalizing on opportunities to grow wealth through wise investments.
Seeking Advice: Engaging in meaningful conversations with knowledgeable individuals to make informed financial decisions.
Leveraging Marriage for Wealth Building: Recognizing the financial benefits of a supportive partnership.
Cultivating a Savings Culture: Nurturing a habit of saving to achieve specific goals.
Financial Stewardship: Demonstrating financial stewardship by honoring God and family through responsible money management.
Also read: PRAYER: WHY GOD LOVES TO HEAR YOUR VOICE
Nurturing Relationships and Mentorship
One of the standout qualities that emerged from the interviews was the emphasis on relationships and mentorship. Jide Sokeye advocated for building significant connections and helping those following in one’s footsteps as a single or married man.
For him, a steel man doesn’t just focus on personal growth; he extends his hand to help others cross hurdles he has overcome. This emphasis on relationships echoes the sentiment that a steel man understands the power of unity and collaboration.
Conclusion
The insights from these two men offer a comprehensive glimpse into the qualities of a steel man. Embracing vulnerability, cultivating courage, demonstrating financial wisdom, and nurturing relationships are some pillars that define a steel man’s character.
These qualities resonate as a testament to the strength, resilience, and integrity that encompass the modern man. As we navigate the complexities of life, we can draw inspiration from these insights and strive to embody the virtues of a true steel man.
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Written by: Oluwatofunmi
Oluwatofunmi volunteers with the Content Team at Sycamore Church.
(Blogposts are creative expressions generously provided for Sycamore Church. The ideas and thoughts do not necessarily represent the position of Sycamore Church)
