Good morning, my friends. Grab your favorite cup of coffee, pull up a chair, and let's have a heart-to-heart about something that weighs heavy on the souls of many men: silence of a man. Not the peaceful kind that comes with a quiet morning, but the kind that gnaws at the heart—the silence we keep because we think we have to.
Men, we live in a world where strength is often equated with stoicism. Society tells us to be tough, to grin and bear it, to carry our burdens without complaint. It paints vulnerability as weakness and openness as a liability. But this silence, this self-imposed exile of emotions, is not strength—it is a prison.
The Silent Struggle
Many of us know this silence all too well. It is the weight we carry when the bills pile up and we wonder how we will make ends meet. It is the ache in our chest when a relationship falls apart but we cannot find the words to say, "I am hurting." It is the fear of admitting we do not have it all figured out, especially when others look to us for leadership and guidance.
This silence can be deafening. It isolates us from the very people who could help carry the load—our brothers, our families, and most importantly, our God.
The Silence in Scripture
Even King David, a warrior, poet, and man after God’s own heart, faced moments of silence. Psalm 32:3-4 says, "When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer."
David knew the cost of keeping things bottled up inside. He felt the physical and spiritual toll of unspoken pain and unconfessed sin. But he also found the freedom that comes when we break the silence.
Breaking the Silence
God does not call us to carry our burdens alone. Galatians 6:2 reminds us to "bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." Brothers, this is not a call to weakness—it is a call to strength through community. It takes courage to say, "I need help." It takes fortitude to admit, "I am struggling."
Jesus Himself set the example for us. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He did not suffer in silence. He poured out His soul to the Father and even asked His disciples to stay and pray with Him (Matthew 26:38-39). If the Son of God sought support in His hour of need, how much more should we?
Practical Steps
-
Speak to God
Start with prayer. Pour out your heart to the One who already knows your struggles. Psalm 34:17 says, "The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles." -
Find Your Tribe
Surround yourself with men of faith and fortitude who will walk with you. Whether it is a Bible study, a church group, or a few trusted friends, find a band of brothers who will stand by you. -
Be Honest
Vulnerability is not easy, but it is powerful. Share your struggles with someone you trust—a pastor, a mentor, or even your spouse. You might be surprised at how your honesty encourages others to open up too. -
Seek Professional Help if Needed
There is no shame in seeking counsel. Whether it is from a pastor or a licensed therapist, getting help is a sign of wisdom, not weakness.
Final Thoughts
Men, silence is not our ally. It is a thief that robs us of peace, healing, and connection. Breaking that silence does not make you less of a man—it makes you a stronger one.
So today, I challenge you: take the first step. Open up to someone you trust, and more importantly, open up to God. Do not let the silence define you. Let your faith and fortitude speak louder.
Until next time, keep believing, keep striving, and keep living a life full of faith and fortitude. God bless.
