10:20 p.m. Entry...

Emotions are the one thing that I understand the least about myself, and therefore the thing that frustrates me the most. I find myself longing for someone, which in fact is a true longing for community.

I don't really understand what it means or looks like to be a man of God at 19 in a culture that speaks of dating and love as if they were equivalent to drinking water. The one thing I do know is that the character of a man of God does not change with a change in place or circumstance. His values should follow him throughout.

Today, as I've pondered the issue of dating in our culture, I've come to understand and see more than a simple desire for companionship and love. I see a world full of spiritually fatherless and brotherless women. I understand that the way women have learned to find "trust and security" in men is through the idea of courtship. An idea that has brought hurt to so many because haven't been there as Fathers and Brothers in Christ to protect their hearts.

As I look around me, I find few young guys my age who are willing to step up to the plate and take a shot at being the men God has called us to be. Flirting seems far more appealing!

So, my question is, where are the men of God?!?! Who will stand to protect and value the women that one day will the the Mothers of our children? Who will Father this Fatherless world?

I don't condemn dating. I just know that too many people have been hurt by the lack of true love, security, and respect that we've lost along the way. The Mothers, Sisters, and Daughters of our world are all Daughters of the King, so we better start acting as such!

Jon