From Men, We Learn: Navigating the Paths to Manhood
We’re thrilled to welcome Britton L. Hibbitt, M.S., from Bowling Green, Kentucky, a renowned son, brother, father, and servant leader. Mr. Hibbitt is here to share his unique insights on Navigating the Paths to Manhood.
Mr. Hibbitt is a compassionate and open-minded individual who values empathy and understanding in his personal and professional life. Britton L. Hibbitt prioritizes building solid relationships and strives to see the world from multiple perspectives.
From Men, We Learn: Navigating the Paths to Manhood
Lying in bed, listening to the rain, Lovelle can’t help but smile at the lessons life has taught him. Having lost both his wives, he reflects on his journey to manhood, shaped by the men who came before him. Lovelle’s story is about learning, growth, and realizing that experience is the best teacher.
Like many of us, Lovelle grew up idolizing his great-grandfather, a man he saw as a role model for the kind of life he wanted. But as we grow older, we realize that the men we look up to are not always as perfect as we once believed.
As a minority, Lovelle had a unique perspective on the different types of men who shaped his life:
The God-Fearing Man: This man strives to live according to the teachings of the Bible, leading by example and instilling values in his family. He is a community pillar, respected for his hard work and unwavering faith.
The Hard-Working Man Without God: This man understands the importance of providing for his family but has lost touch with his faith. He believes in hard work but may have become disillusioned with the church.
The Addicted Man: This man struggles with addiction, often because of past trauma. He may be abusive and selfish, perpetuating a cycle of pain.
The Hustler: This man takes shortcuts in life, using lies and deception to get what he wants. He may have been institutionalized and lacks a sense of true happiness.
Most men encounter at least one of these archetypes in their lives. We often take bits and pieces from each, incorporating their traits into our personalities. The challenge lies in recognizing that the men we idolize are not always who they appear to be. We may see them as larger than life, unaware of the struggles they faced in their youth.
Lovelle’s advice is simple: take the person you see before you and work towards that ideal. Listen to their stories, learn from their experiences, and allow them to guide you. Life will test you, and the lessons learned from the men who came before you can help you navigate those challenges.
Experience is the best teacher: Life’s lessons are often learned through trial and error. Embrace the wisdom that comes with experience.
Learn from the men who came before you: Whether they are positive or negative role models, there is something to be learned from every man you encounter.
Strive to be the best version of yourself. Incorporate the qualities you admire in others into your own life.
Don’t be afraid to seek guidance: The older men in your life have a wealth of knowledge to share. Listen to their stories and learn from their mistakes.
Remember, life is a journey: We constantly grow and evolve. Embrace the process of self-discovery and strive to become the best version of yourself.
By learning from the men who came before us, we can pave our path to manhood and embrace life’s lessons.
