In September 1962, at Rice University, a vision casting President Kennedy, gleaming with sweat, delivered a speech that will spark a country’s decades long venture into space travel.
He boldly declared ….
… the US would send humans 240, 000 miles away from the control situation in Houston [in] a giant rocket, more than 300 feet tall… made of metal alloys, some of which have not yet been invented, capable of standing heat and stresses several times more than have ever been experienced, fitted together with a precision better than the finest watch, carrying all the equipment needed for propulsion, guidance, control, communications, food and survival, on an uncharted mission to an unknown celestial body, and then return safely to earth, reentering the earth at speeds in excess of 25, 000 miles an hour, causing heat about half of that of the sun… and do all this, and do it right, and do it first, before the decade is out. We must be bold… as we sail we ask God’s blessing on the most hazardous and dangerous and greatest adventure on which man has ever embarked.
John F. Kennedy
President Kennedy didn’t shy away from the uncertainty and challenges to inspire the country for the complex tasks ahead. He said, “We do these things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard.” Less than seven years later, Neil Armstrong stepped foot on the moon and said, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”
Our nation believed in the vision and this launched us into action. Spurred by a race with Russia, the U.S. responded with veracity. What President Kennedy was able to do is paint a better version of the future.
A man is supposed to bring vision to his family. He is to raise the emotional and spiritual climate enough to instill hope and confidence. A man does this by using his strength in a way that is honorable and commendable before God. Being a leader in the home means as Simon Sinek said, “Leadership is not being in charge. It is taking care of those under your charge.”
Are you a man of vision? Do you instill confidence in those under your care? What would your wife or girlfriend say? Does she exude confidence?
How did you answer?
Life is hard and it is even harder with no vision. Vision is cast with foundational words of reality, encouragement, and hope. Vision is cast by providing financially to meet the desired goals. Vision is strengthened by a man’s presence when times get challenging. Vision is made complete when a husband loves his wife and/or kids well.
“But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
1 Timothy 5:8 NASB
You may be overwhelmed but stay in it. You can do it men. Take the most obvious step that you see in front of you, and although it may feel like a giant leap, take it! Every step makes the next step a bit easier. Your continued movement forward adds confidence in you and those around you. You’ve got this!
Chad N. Zueck
Founder of @anewkindofman
BE THE MAN