One result of the feminist movement is that the importance of men has been downplayed in our society. In the noble cause of eliminating inequality for women, we have either deliberately or inadvertently denigrated the role of men. Yes, women should have the opportunity to pursue anything they want in life, including male-dominated fields. Yes, there are some deadbeats out there, but as a segment of society, we should appreciate our men and all they do for us.

Men Contribute to Society

The natural strength of men allows them to contribute in so many ways. They fight our wars, defend our country, protect us from crime, rescue us from disaster, build our cities, run our companies, and govern our nation. Men bring home paychecks, fix cars, perform surgeries, pastor churches, program computers, and build our world in millions of ways. Of course women are also doing all these things, but the majority of our soldiers, police, CEO's and political leaders are still male. And while women still fight discrimination and the glass ceiling, that's no reason to denigrate all the men who are just working hard at their jobs, doing their best for themselves, their country and their families.

In a traditional family, the father is to be the head of the household. Even though the ideal is to do all of these things in consultation and harmony with the spouse, that doesn't change the fact that the man still has the welfare of his family resting on his shoulders. They are supposed to live up to the responsibility of protecting and providing for the well-being of the family. It is the man's job to be protector, provider, and someone who makes the tough decisions when needed. In a Christian household, the father is also meant to be a model of Jesus for the family. As in being someone you want to follow and submit to. Women have problems with that Bible passage about submitting to the husband, but it's supposed to work when the man is acting in such an upstanding way that you would want to follow him the same way as you obey Christ.

Children need fathers and men as role models to show what is means to be responsible. There are numerous studies of how things go badly when a father is not there for the family. Children also need fathers and men to be role models in relationships -- boys need to see how a woman is to be treated, and girls need to know they are worthy of a man who treats them with love and respect. A woman can do her best, but it's difficult for a single mom to teach boys how to be a man.

There are many examples of individuals who turned out great without having a father around. Human beings have a way of surviving and triumphing over difficult situations. All fathers don't turn out to be good role models, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't strive for it. There are plenty of men who are providing, protecting and prioritizing their families. Instead of trying to make do without men in our lives, we should try to make good men a part of our lives. And beyond that, we should be trying to make our boys into more good men.

Men kick our butts and make us do better. A schoolteacher at TC Williams high school complained to his class about their poor grades in his class. "Why don't you guys study like the kids from Africa?" To which a student replied, "It's because they have fathers who kick their butts and make them study." The teacher was stunned to learn that most of the kids in his class had no father living with them. Not only fathers, but male coaches, bosses, teachers, pastors and mentors all play a role in encouraging us, challenging us, even when we don't like it, to be better than we are. The drill sergeant can be a good thing.

Men have to put up with a lot of crap. The pressure must be enormous. Our society expects a great deal of men -- to be strong, to make money, to be successful. We expect men to be winners, leaders, to stand up for what is right, to die for us on the front lines of battle. On the job, they have to deal with all the problems, nincompoops and backstabbing that goes on in every workplace. And then we turn around and also expect them to be sensitive. We want them to be interested in women's issues, to share in the household and child care chores. Then we make fun of them if they want to take a break and watch some sports! We get mad if they don't volunteer to change a diaper, instead of appreciating their attempts at helping out. I'm guilty myself of not being appreciative enough!

I am fortunate to be married to the most loving, generous, charitable, kind man in the world! I believe God created men and women to complement one another. Of course, from the biological perspective, we are complementary. On other levels, a man brings to a relationship things that another woman can not. He has a different perspective on life that we women could never have. My guy puts up with a lot of stuff and yet remains ever faithful and loving. Anything I or the kids need or want, he will bust a move to deliver it. My children could not have a better dad. I dedicate this hub to my hubby of almost 12 years, who encourages, teaches, takes care of and loves us, thank you, I love you forever!!!