Honoring the Journey:
- Manhood Challenge -
As Father’s Day approaches, I find myself reflecting not only on the role of fathers—but on the sacred journey from boyhood to manhood. This moment of reflection inspired the Manhood Challenge, a call to celebrate, honor, and uplift the men who live with intention, integrity, and love.
In the spirit of Rites of Passage: Raising Sons to Be Men of Standard, I want to honor that passage—the deeply personal, yet profoundly communal, journey that young men take toward embracing their full identity as men.
Why This Matters Now More Than Ever
The transition from child to man is not a single moment—it is a series of life lessons, defining choices, and moments of accountability that shape a boy into a man. When we showcase men who are present, nurturing, and principled, we are not simply telling stories—we are helping shape the future.
Men matter. Fathers matter. So do sons, brothers, uncles, mentors, and coworkers. Their influence ripples through generations, quietly forming the moral backbone of homes, communities, and nations.
But it’s important to remember—this is not a competition.
Our world does not need another gender war. What it needs is collaboration—a recognition that men and women, fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, were never meant to be pitted against each other. We were made to co-exist in mutual support, not rivalry. Our differences are real, but they should never be divisive.
Standing in My Power—and Recognizing Theirs
As a mother, a woman, and a leader, I have grown more comfortable standing in the fullness of my femininity and strength. This comfort gives me the confidence to say: I see you, men who lead with love. I honor you.
To the men raising children with tenderness and teaching strength through service.
To the mentors guiding young minds with patience.
To the fathers and father figures showing up every day, in big ways and small—thank you.
This year, I choose to publicly celebrate men who are championing REAL manhood, not with noise or ego, but through the way they love, lead, and live.
So here’s my invitation—my challenge, really. I am calling on men of all ages and all walks of life to reflect on and respond to one question:
What moment or life experience made you realize you had stepped into manhood?
In 20 words or less, or in a 20-second video, share your story then challenge a few brothers, mentors, fathers, or friends to do the same.
Use your influence and voice to inspire another man in his manhood journey. Your story may remind someone they are not alone in this journey. It is time to lift up examples of positive leadership our world desperately needs to see. So, flood your feeds with real talk, real growth, and real honor to REAL men. Together, we can build a culture that raises our standard of honor—not just for Father’s Day, but every day.
Join the Movement
Post your response on social media and tag it with:
#EmissaryWay #ManhoodChallenge #ManhoodMoment #Fatherhood2025
