identity crisis: man up (published by Christians for Biblical Equality!)

Last year, I wrote a blog post on the phrase "man up" that soon became one of my most popular posts. Controversial posts have that effect, I guess, at least on my blog.

Christians for Biblical Equality is a fantastic organization that works worldwide to foster Christian equality most notably for gender, but race and class as well. I had the great privilege to hear CBE's director, Mimi Haddad, speak in one of my reconciliation classes last semester, and I immediately signed up for their e-newsletter, Arise, after hearing her words of truth and life and empowerment.

A few months back, I spotted an advertisement in Arise calling for authors to submit pieces of work around 500 words to be considered for publication. Realizing that my "man up" piece was roughly 500 words, I submitted it without giving it much thought. I guess I just assumed I wouldn't hear back.

Fast forward three days when one of CBE's workers responded to my initial email with news that they'd love to publish my piece in Arise! I couldn't believe it! Here we are, several months later, and my post is featured in the May 15th edition of Arise. CBE has been so gracious and encouraging through the process of sending e-mails back and forth, setting up my biography and trying to get everything ready these past few weeks. I absolutely love the work that they're doing around the globe, and am honored to be included in just a small part of their Kingdom work. 

The published version is more carefully edited and slightly different than the original, so you can still check it out even if you've read my initial posting. Make sure to check out the rest of their website, too. They are loaded with resources.

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Don't tell me to man up.

You can tell me to step up, or buck up, or cheer up, but don't you dare tell me to man up. And here's why.

1. "Man up" is often used in correlation with masculinity in society or the church. "Just man up and ask her out" or "man up and get your hands dirty" or "man up and take charge!" It reinforces the typical stereotypes that all men must be sports-loving, aggressive, action-oriented, visual, Bob-the-Builder-type handymen that go at it and constantly assume authority. Not that men can't love sports or fix things or be action-oriented. But by pairing those qualities with the phrase "man up," the implication is that such traits are actual requirements of being a man and attaining true manhood.

Click here to read the rest of the article and check out CBE's website!