Anger may feel like strength, but it often masks pain. This piece calls men to trade isolation for healing, powered by faith and vulnerability.
June is Men's Mental Health Awareness Month. Bet a ton of you didn’t know that.
Why? Because men’s mental health is quietly left in the shadows.
Many men are silent about their struggles, quietly burying emotions beneath a hardened exterior.
I’ve been there… Holding it in, feeling the tension build. Frustrated. Bitter. Wanting to fight someone without realizing the enemy is actually within.
Too many men feel like the Hulk… Anger is their strength. If they let it go, they lose their edge.
It’s a lie.
Anger masks pain, sadness, and fear.
Anger feels empowering because it’s a shield. Men aren’t supposed to be weak, right?
From an early age, boys are told to “man up” whenever they experience difficulty, pain, or emotion.
Society whispered into our ears that vulnerability was off-limits.
I believed it.
Anger became my armor, protecting me from admitting I was hurting. But there’s a truth deeper than our instincts: strength isn’t measured by how hard you can hit or how loud you can yell.
True strength comes when you’re brave enough to peel back the layers and face what’s inside, trusting in God’s promise to stand with you.
I’m mindful of this powerful moment in John 21 when Jesus restores Peter.
Peter was an angry guy. All in one night, Peter had drawn a sword, chopped off a guy’s ear, and then denied Jesus three times, cursing a little girl… Yep, look it up.
Peter wanted to bury his emotions in his work. He went fishing, trying to forget his past mistakes… But Jesus wouldn’t let him.
Jesus made Peter face his mistakes head-on by asking him three times, “Do you love me?” After Peter faced his hurt, Jesus gave him his calling.
Maybe you’ve been carrying your burdens alone, believing that’s what strength looks like.
Imagine the relief of finally setting down that heavy load you've shouldered alone, the freedom of allowing others in, and the joy of feeling truly understood. That moment is waiting for you.
This week, I invite you to take one courageous step. Reach out and share your heart with someone trustworthy.
Pray deeply, boldly, openly.
Embrace this journey, knowing God is walking with you every step of the way.
Your healing matters.
Your story matters.
You matter.
