Real_Men

For a significant portion of my life I can truly say that I viewed men as meaningless creatures. However, God has allowed me to look at the men who have made an impact on my life so that I can see that ont only are men significant in God's plan of life, they are also important in mine.

I look at my grandfather, Samuel Anthony Gardiner, who has laboured constantly to keep the fear of God in his home. I see a man who was a pillar of the community who loved not only his family but also his fellowman. From him I have learnt that life is made up of sharing what you have with those you love.

I look at my father, Charles Philip Cooper, who has loved me from my birth and who has taught me so much. I see a man who despite his own personal difficulties kept food on the table, a roof over my head and loved and supported my brothers and I, even though at times we didn't acknowledge it. Even when he messed up he was still a father to my brothers and I and so many other men and women who passed through his life. From him I have learnt that if you love someone you show it through your actions.

I look at my uncle, James Lundy Gardiner, who is one of the most open people I know. I see a man who tires to live his own life in such a way that others are helped and blessed. From him I have learnt that not only shold you love life but you should cherish it.

I look at my uncle, Rupert Godfrey Gardiner, who depsite what life has thrown his way, has found his niche and excelled therein. I seem a man who loves his wife and his children so much that he would die for them. From him I have learnt that no matter what mistakes you make you should always get up and try again.

I look at Hartman Brown, who has been my counselor and friend since High School and I see a man who despite ciriticism lives His life to please God, not man and that is a lesson I have learnt to live my life according to God's divine will and not public opinion.

I look at Rev. Dr. Charles W. Saunders, who has always had confidence in my ability to be a success. I see a man who has a heart of gold and a will of steel. From him I have learnt that an education must pursued and then shared.

I look at my cousin, Brendan Curtis, who has always been one of the greatest role models in my life. I see a young man who has placed God first in his life and has allowed the Lord to direct his path. From him I have learnt that with God all things are possible.

I look at my cousin, Lenny Curtis, who knows that spending quality time with your family is one of lifes' greatest joys. From him I have learnt that although you have to give everyone a chance, only a few deserve to get close to your heart.

I look at my godfather Ronald Campbell who is one of the most talented musicians on this earth. From him I learnt that when God blesses you with a talent it is your duty to use it to help others.

I look at my friend, Kareem Hannah, who became my mentor and adopted big brother during my internship at NIB. I see a young man with pride in who he is and hwo is life has turned out. From him I have learnt that in order to succeed you have to learn to pick your battles.

I look at my friends, Noel, Kelafo, Jermaine, Stanley, Lemar, Andy and Kevin, who have proven to me that the men of my age group do have some focus and direction. I look at them and see young men who refuse to bow to society's standard of what is acceptable for men. From them I have learnt that the male of the speciees can provide many facets to the bond of friendship that are indeed irreplaceable.

I look at my professor, Dr. Warren Copeland, who has made it his life's work to obtain social justice. I see a man who understands that being in touch with your emotions is a strength not a weakness. From him I have learnt that justice is a basic human right.

I look at the pastors that God has placed in my life, Rev. Ross Davis (Golden Gates Assembly, Bahamas), Pastor Dave Hill (Northside Baptist Church, OH) and Elder Ronald Logan (Greater Grace Tenple, OH). I see men who live what they preach and are respected in the community not only because of their positions but because of their moral stands and love of God and His people. From them I have learnt that you have to have a heart for the people that God places in your life or you will never reach them.

As God has replayed the impact that each of these men has had on my life He ahs truly given me an understnad of what the phrase "a real man" means. Real men take care of their responsibilities and seek God's direction for their lives. They don't look for excuses - they make things happen.

And I thank God for placing each of you in my life. I love each of you with all that is within me and I pray that God will continue to bless, guide, direct and protect you always.