Earned, Not Given

Earned, Not Given

When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child,

When I became a man, I gave up childish things.

So what gives me the privilege of being considered a man?

It’s not simply just because I’m a male, I must abide by God’s plan.

I believe the title of man isn’t given, it must be earned,

Before I deserve such a title there are some things that I must learn.

I’m not defined by my clothes or the money in my bank account,

My ability and efforts to make a difference in the world are far more paramount.

Just as iron sharpens iron, let me sharpen another,

I want to see us all succeed, and be a blessing to one another.

Let my actions have a positive impact on the community,

So that I may bring everyone together in perfect unity.

Am I a man because I use and abuse what I have in my pants,

Do I need to sleep with plenty of women to prove that I’m a man?

Being faithful to one woman shows the proper self control,

Love and protect that woman and let marriage be the goal.

It brings me great honor knowing that I must protect and lead my family,

I take great pride in knowing that I’m entrusted with the responsibility of teaching my children values such as faith, love, and honesty.

Can I keep my word and do as I say,

Do I respect others and work honestly for my pay?

Mental toughness is mainly what separates a man from a child, 

A man is faithful to the truth, brave in the face of opposition, and persistent through trials.

Focus is key in order for him to endure the storm and never lose heart,

When you allow God to make you a man, times may get tough, but you’ll never fall apart.

More than just a chiseled frame, I have God in my heart,

So when I don’t engage in trivial things, the world can see that I’ve been set apart.

I am strong, but my strength is in my intellect,

You see, God gave me my mind as my most valuable asset.

Most of all, a man must have faith in God and not in his own way,

I can not do any of these things on my own, so I humbly kneel before God, and I pray.

No more childish games, let each new day bring about growth in me,

I am evolving, and I'm striving, to be the best Man that I can be. 

By: Demanuel Cournell Guice