Only once in 1,263 weeks have I rewritten a previously published Sketches.  I am now making that twice in 1,264 weeks.  Copies of this particular Sketches has been requested far more than any other.  I want to improve the original a little bit and distribute it more widely.

First, let me confess that I fall short as a man.

Every man I know falls short.  But at least we leap for the manhood mantle, striving to be men.  Because I fall short, I do not relinquish the right to ask men to be better men.  I still have a duty to challenge boys to become men.

The difference between men and boys is not a function of age.  Some men are of tender years.  Some boys have many years on them.

The difference lies elsewhere other than years.

Boys shun responsibility.  Men accept responsibility.

Boys become daddies, as in “my baby daddy,” while men become fathers.

Boys make babies.  Men make families.

Men build up.  Boys tear down.  Men build families, churches, communities, organizations, buildings, and other things.

Men protect.  Boys must be protected.

Men protect children, families, institutions and communities.  Boys fail to protect.

Men lift up.  Boys trample on.  Men lift up children, the downtrodden, the oppressed and those in need

Boys shun commitment. Men embrace commitment.

Boys shun commitment in relationships with girls, women, families, communities, work and play.

Men embrace commitment in these and other areas.

Men provide.  Boys consume that which is provided.

Boys want everything now.  Men know that good things require investments of time and effort.

Men unify.  Boys divide.

Boys have fantasies.  Men have visions.

Boys think they don’t need anybody’s help.  They think they can get it done all by themselves because they are men.

Men know they always need help, especially the help of God.  Yes, there is a world of difference between men and boys.  Do you see it?