A man ain't made of stone but he better have faith

Those close to me know that I am a fan of Randy Travis. His songs have a lot of meaning and truth in them. Well, meaning and truth are two things that should characterize our lives. Lately, and as I grow older, I have come to realize the meaning of things in life and the truth that just living life reveals. I was listening to a Randy Travis song that I haven't heard in a while. It's called "A Man Ain't Made of Stone" Here are the lyrics:

"A Man Ain't Made Of Stone"

I was supposed to be the rock that you could stand on
Stronger than an old oak tree
But all you ever wanted was the one thing
I never let you see -
The tender side of me
I tried to be a mountain, solid and strong
All it took was your leaving to know I was wrong

A man ain't made of stone
A man ain't made of steel
The way I feel right now
I thought I'd never feel
Sometimes all it takes
Is facing the night alone
And that's when you know
A man ain't made of stone

In this world of mine
There was no room for weakness
I covered every crack in the wall
But there ain't no way that I can keep this secret
Cos when you go like Jerico I fall
You thought I wouldn't shatter
Would I even care?
But there's more to what I'm made of
Than this broken heart can bare

A man ain't made of stone
A man ain't made of steel
The way I feel right now
I thought I'd never feel
Sometimes all it takes
Is facing the night alone
And that's when you know
A man ain't made of stone

Sometimes all it takes
Is facing the night alone
And that's when you know
A man ain't made of stone

That's when you know
A man ain't made of stone

Everyday, I look around me and see a certain category of people. This category is one that is seemingly growing larger every day. It's the category of "steel people." "Steel people" are the people who refuse to see things the way they really are. They're the people that put on a show in front of others to hide their problems. They're the category of people who, instead of confiding in others for strength and help, continue to struggle on their own. This category of people are those who don't realize that tenderness and compassion are actually more accurate measures of one's strength.

I'm from an area in the United States where, sometimes, men strive to be tough and strong with their emotions because they think that is what will make them successful and bring them the best in life. 

However, I also live in a part of this great country where many men were taught to be southern gentlemen. They were taught to show compassion, sympathy, respect and honor. These are all things that I wish to show and possess in my own life. Yet, as a man, I sometimes get caught in the "steel" category. With age though, I have come to realize that a man truly isn't made of "steel." A man is made of faith and character.

Faith and character go hand in hand. They're like salt and pepper, peanut butter and jelly, green eggs and ham...ok not green eggs and ham. Seriously, a man's character says a lot about his faith. When a man has faith, his character shows. A man who has faith trusts in those around him and his maker. A man who has faith will learn to trust in God enough to know that strength doesn't come in being tough and hiding struggles, but in showing compassion, tenderness and love and trusting in God to provide a way.

A man that is not made of steel, is a man of faith- a man who has faith in himself, in others and most of all in his God and through that faith, he becomes a man of tenderness, compassion, honor respect, and humility.

Randy Travis also has a song called "Faith in You" Here are the lyrics:

"Faith In You"

I don't have faith in technology
Even though we created it
All this stuff just breaks down anyway
And you can never get it fixed
But I do have faith in you

I don't have faith in politics
But I do believe in the will of the people
I don't know much about big time religion
But I believe in the cross on the steeple
And I do have faith in you

And after all this time
The lie becomes the truth
We traded in our innocence and sacrificed our youth
But you give your love
The one thing I can't lose
You believe in me
And I still have faith in you

The more I search for my significance
Seems the more I disappear
And I wonder have I made a difference
In any body's life since I've been here
I can hear your laughter
It's the sweetest sound I've ever known
I don't know how love happens
But I know I'm not alone
And I do have faith in you

And after all this time
Sometimes I see the truth
But I'm touched by your innocence
And now I'm not confused
But you give your love
The one thing I can't lose
You believe in me
And I still have faith in you

I do have faith in you...

Do you have faith in others and what does that faith show about your character? Are you made of steel or do you find that the more you search for your significance you disappear? Do you see the truth? Have you made a difference in anyone's life? Are you made of steel?

Tonight the measure of a man cannot be found in a man made of steel because a true man isn't made of steel. He's made of character and faith!

That, my friends, is just a few thoughts from a small town southern man!