With the coming of Father's Day, I've been thinking a lot about what exactly my husband brings to my home, to our family and to the beauty of our lives. I've been thinking more about the sacrifices he makes, his dedication to myself and our fivekids, and the example he sets.
My husband was the single largest blessing of my entire life, and I thank God for him every single day.
I have been richly blessed. I have a wonderful set of parents, including a rock star dad. I had a fantastic example to look to when I was growing up. I have two amazing brothers and my sister married a wonderful man.
Now that I'm married to Whitney, I have some great brother-in-laws, too.
A few months ago, when #metoo swept the nation, I couldn't quite put my finger on what bothered me about it. I appreciated the way it showcased the magnitude of the problem to those unaware. I loved that women felt safe enough, and empowered enough to speak up. I had hope that in today's world, maybe the problems of assault, of harassment, and of fear for women might be someday eradicated, or at least mitigated and far, far less common. I really hope we all emerge better educated, and better armed to handle this type of thing. I felt optimistic that the world might really be changing.
And yet, it took me weeks to actually post #metoo for myself. Why did it take me so long? I'm not afraid to say it. I've talked to countless people about my experiences over the years. After much internal struggle, I was finally able to pinpoint the why. It was because I felt like right along with the positive sweeping changes, and awareness, #metoo also increased the suspicion, and the nervous fear of the men in my life. Men who are the most amazing, supportive, incredible people I have ever known.
My two sons are beautiful and fresh and new. They are learning how to treat women from me, from their dad, and from society. I hope they will learn, more and more, about how women are their equals, and even their superiors in many ways. I hope they will learn to love and respect women, all women, of all ages, and from all parts of life.
I have faith they will do all those things, because they have men around them who do all of that and more. They are surrounded by GOOD men, men who care, men who work day in and day out to make the world a better place for every single woman living here.
So today, while I do not mean IN ANY WAY to detract from #metoo, the power, the purpose, the movement, I would also like to say #minetoo. Because my men, the men in my life, have lifted me up. They have provided support, care, a sounding board. They have helped heal me from my #metoo experiences. They been nearly super human in their efforts to make this world a better place. Today I am thankful for my husband, my father, my brothers, my brother-in-laws, my neighbors, my friends. I am grateful for my sons, and for the amazing role models who surround them, showing them how to make sure no more women have to say #metoo, ever. I do not want to detract from the powerful message we have all seen, but I would like to add to it. There are awful things out there, and men who have done bad, bad things. There are men today who still do, but there are good men, too. Positive, life changing, strong and caring men. They deserve a seat in this dialogue. They deserve to be highlighted.
If you have husbands, family, or friends who are making the world a safer place, I hope today of all days, and for days to come, you will honor them. Show them by posting #minetoo, that your world is full of beautiful, strong, caring, thoughtful men who care for women, love God and serve all people. Fill the world with hashtags that let them know we love them and welcome them into our lives, our homes and our worldview. Because Men are Good and Beautiful and Strong, too.
