Page 88 - Msingi Afrika Magazine Issue 22
P. 88

Book Review




          of growth, which are important in   This book is a demonstration of the   masculinity.
          creating balance between spiritual   seriousness of our concern over the   A young man becomes diligent
          and emotional matters.             boy child and his responsibility in   when he is affirmed, guided and
                                             the society. Enjoy reading, decide to   educated with skilled wise, knowl-
          Hereby, the author provides readers   act, be a role model.           edgeable older men. When identity
          with a better understanding on how                                    is known and lived, the learning
          best to handle the boy.            *Foreword by:                      process becomes an entry point to
                                             The Very Rev. Canon Sammy Wain-    firming up the joys of self-discovery.
          Another major focus is that of     aina                               Though surrounded by confusing
          fatherhood. It goes without saying   Provost All Saints’ Cathedral, Nai-  voices, the battle to have an identity
          that in today’s society, very few men   robi                          and vision is won by a young man
          are providing the guidance required                                   when in the company of other men.
          within their families. The book    Father to Son provides practical guidance   These men uplift and encourage a
          provides an important realization   and an opportunity for fathers and father   warrior to understand that every-
          to fathers everywhere to appreciate   figures to mentor sons as biological fathers,   one is born a leader but very few
          how important and God-honoring     supplementary fathers and stand-in fathers   become. Hence a need for account-
          fatherhood is; that it literally pro-  in order to seal the gap of  mentoring   ability and a support system.
          vides a foundation for the success   deficiency in our society today.
          of future generations!                                                The big picture is to build a com-
                                             Brave Hearts                       munity of transformed sons and
          Additionally, the book takes a brief    n the heart of every man is the   devoted young men. A community
          look at African heroes and heroines     desire to be affirmed, shown   of visionary husbands, fathers and
          including Thomas Sankara and Wan-       affection and belong to a com-  selfless elders. Men led by wisdom,
          gari Maathai who overcame numer- Imunity that is functional. The      knowledge, skill and understanding
          ous hurdles in life to leave a lasting   masculine soul feeds on affirmation   as the guides in social seasons of
          legacy. This is a lesson to all people   from an infant stage which is full of   life. A man committed to becoming
          today and future generations.      dependence on another person to    a responsible leader, with the ability
                                             take care of him. Some experience a   to define his life goals and values
          To quote the book: “A courageous   crisis depending on the circumstanc-  apart from the pressures of those
          man will do what he ought to do, no   es which later affect their wellbeing   around him. Someone who cares
          matter the risk and consequences.   in life.                          and is authentic.  A man of integrity,
          A man without courage is a warrior                                    courageous enough to build social
          without duty and kings all over the   Homes filled with shame, guilt and   responsibility in his community.
          world are defined by the level of   rejection as a result of dysfunctional
          courage to live their values and en-  relationships, slowly erode a man’s   As a young man, there are opportu-
          larging their territories to influence   ability to will and act from a ten-  nities around you all the time - op-
          a wider scope to protect what they   der age. As a result, the developing   portunities to take initiative and be
          value.”                            young man will either take initiative   kind, opportunities to stand up for
                                             to lead himself or cave in, awaiting   the weak and the oppressed. Seize
          With this book, it is hoped that you   rescue from  a caring hand.    these opportunities to help make a
          the reader, will be compelled into                                    difference in society. The final call to
          action and fight for the wellness of   The idea of manhood has been   a Braveheart leader is to be the lead-
          the boy child.                     misinterpreted in our society. A   er you were created to be... Sign up!
                                             man is a predestined custodian of   Act! Brave Heart, Brace yourself!
          We acknowledge Pastor Simon        society’s functionality and wellbeing.
          Mbevi who is the founder of “Man   One who calls out the best in people   *Introduction to ‘Brave Hearts. A
          Enough” a breakthrough program     and affirms courage in order to    Leadership Journey Leaving No Son
          that has created a positive outlet for   preserve a generation. It is up to us   Behind’ by John Wills Njoroge.
          men within a Christian context.    to change the narrative and realize   You can reach John Wills with:
                                             the predestined idea of sonship and   Willsnjoroge@gmail.com







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