...and how do you recognize him when he shows up?
This is a question I was asked quite recently.
It's certainly complicated, but I think the answer lies in
how he behaves when the going gets tough.
How he treats the weakest and most frail in our society.
If he stops what he's doing, no matter what that is...
If he puts his needs aside to merely ask the question..."what can I do?"
If he put other needs or wants before his own...
then, in my book, he is one of the good guys.
I married one of the good guys, so I know first hand...
I have men-friends who's phone numbers I give to my kids and say...if you can't reach me, phone them. All you will have to say is "Come"..."I need money"..."help" and I know they will respond...no questions asked.
Sadly, this week, I have seen a sweet, young, vulnerable girl fall victim
to one of the bad guys.
I've said it before, I'll say it again, especially to this younger generation...
Men...it's time to man-up...be one of the good guys!
I hope this young girl can get past this nasty man. I used to pray for lots of different thing for my daughter (success, love, good friends, etc) but now I've narrowed it down. I pray she continues to grow in her confidence because it really is a foundation for everything else in life.
ReplyDeletePrayers today for your young friend.
Good point Chania...it's not about how people treat us, it's all about how we deal with it. Prayers always gratefully received.
DeleteAgreed whole heartedly. The Good Guys are rare, but when they do show up, my heart explodes.....not often enough.
ReplyDeleteI guess the hardest part in all of this is that we thought he was one of the good guys...sigh...
DeleteI am very sorry for the young girl's misfortune. So much sadness around, but thank goodness for all the good men and good people. I note with interest your first photo, of the man who gives water therapy to his arthritic dog. What a beautiful story that was. I almost posted the story in its entirety on my blog a few days ago.
ReplyDeleteSome people are just angels aren't they sanda...
DeleteHello Jacqueline
ReplyDeleteYour husband has kindness written all over his face.
It is great that you know so many good men. I do too. Growing up with 4 brothers,my father strictly forbade them to ever lift a hand to us or any woman. My two sisters and I often pushed to the limits.
I will keep the young woman in prayer and ask that she re-gain the confidence to trust again
Helen xx
Thank you Helen...and blessings on your father. This young woman is about to give birth to her first child, let's hope, if it is a boy, he will have good role models come into his life too.
DeleteI like to think I come under your 'good guy' category, but of course only others would truly know. Eeeeeeek!
ReplyDeleteWithout question Cro - from what I know of you in blogland - you fit squarely into my definition of one of the good guys!
DeleteI pray that the young girl receives the support she needs at this time and will eventually be able to trust again after this bad experience.
ReplyDeleteShe is blessed with a strong, solid family who are rallying mightily Relindis...however, there is still the matter of a broken heart.
DeleteI married one of the good guys too ;-) They are out there...I'm sure the young girl will find her good guy too; sometimes they just take a little more finding...
ReplyDeleteCatherine
xx
I believe they are too Catherine, I just hope she can keep the faith.
Deleteyou have a big heart Jac!
ReplyDeleteor as we say in Trelawnyd "you're a big pudding"
xxx
Love that John the Dogs...right back at you sweetheart!
DeleteSo sorry to hear of your young woman. I shall be mindful of her, and hope she gets the kind of wonderful care and support she needs.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, it's time for some guys to "man up." Way past time for some.
Blessings and Bear hugs!
I knew a Bear would understand!
DeleteI'm so sorry for your friend.
ReplyDeleteI'm so fortunate to have found one of the good guys, too. And doubly fortunate to have had a good father show me the template for one.
xoxo,
pamela
I think we have to celebrate these men Pamela and not the many 'celebrities' who are constantly in the news for their appalling behaviours! It's time to bring back the old-fashioned, gallant man!
ReplyDeleteYou're lucky if you don't come into contact with one of the bad guys at some point in your life. It's a big hard knock but a fast learning curve. It can be tricky not to let it harden your heart.
ReplyDeleteI saw that photograph of the lovely man and his dog yesterday, immediately you just 'know' he's one of the good guys don't you? I found my own 'good guy' after years stumbling and learning there's no age limit! Your husband has a lovely heart you can see it in his smile and in his eyes.
Jane
Thank you for that Jane...yes his heart is big.
ReplyDeleteTried (5 times) to comment on your blog on that wonderful music clip, but your word verification is impossible!
In that regard, I'm one of the lucky ones.
ReplyDeleteI loved your post today.
I have a friend who maintains for some girls it takes an experience -- nothing tragic/horrible mind you -- with a bad guy to recognize one of the best when he comes along. Chances are he will.
xo,
Tish
Not sure I agree Tish...however...hope he comes along anyway!
DeleteWell stated Jacqueline. As a 52 year old woman with a daughter (and son) of my own, I can tell you I've seen this happen several times and always find it extraordinarily painful to watch. As mothers and friends we need to better understand WHY these women are choosing to be with individuals that don't have their best interest in mind. What is it about the bad boy that women are attracted to? Is it something that we aren't teaching are daughters? .. or is it something we aren't teaching our boys? I do believe that the young men need to pull up their boots and man up (AMEN to that one!) and I think women/girls need to not give themselves, or hook up, so quickly. I hope this young woman you mention is able to move forward and learn from her past.
ReplyDeleteleslie
I hope so too Leslie...she is about to give birth to her/their child. I pray the lessons of love and trust will be passed along to this child and not desertion and betrayal.
ReplyDeleteHi Jacqueline, only just got back here today to read your reply. Thanks for letting me know about the problem with the word verification on the music video, sometimes those are SO obscure, sorry, but thank you very much for trying!
ReplyDeleteHope Rudy's treatment goes well and sending big hugs from here to you both.
Jane