The Men of Iron Minute

by Chad Zueck | Director of Content Creation

Affirmations of Brotherhood

After you’ve begun the art of asking open-ended questions, what’s next? Good question. Let’s get to the bottom of that question with a parable.

Even the most gung-ho dudes need a masculine dose of affirmation. Men like Ben. His work ethic is strong! Ben got that honest. His Dad was a rancher that made his living through the sweat of his brow and the strength of his back. Not easy work, but it’s rewarding. Ben’s not a rancher, but he took those lessons to heart. Ben’s a godly man with a desire to honor and serve God. Even with Ben’s work ethic, he feels the effect of the grind. While it wasn’t a big deal at first, he is losing his drive, and he fears that his hard work is under appreciated, and without a doubt, he is overdue an encouraging word. Ben voiced this during a family cookout to his friend’s surprise.

Frank, Ben’s friend, knew something was off, but Ben’s quietness made Frank think twice about bringing it up. Remarkably, Ben brought it up on his own. Frank started asking some open-ended questions to understand Ben’s frame of mind and current spiritual walk. Frank quickly understood Ben’s situation and shared that he felt the same way a couple of years ago. Frank built Ben’s confidence by reminding him that he is a gifted and growing follower of Jesus, and God will provide what he needs. Furthermore, Frank shared that Ben’s honesty meant a lot, and he valued their trust in one another. Finally, Frank reminded Ben that he was doing a great job and that his wife would think so.

Frank helped Ben by affirming him as a man and brother in Christ.

• It’s good to see you. I know showing up today may have been hard.
• You’re giving it your all.
• A good friendship is hard to develop, and I am glad we have done that.
• Your faithfulness to Christ is on point, and other men admire you.
• Your commitment to your marriage is encouraging to me.
• It seems like you are good at…

Dare greatly.

Live humbly.

Be a better man.

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