A Man Runs Toward the Danger
Not foolishly or accidentally, but intentionally.
Men should be oriented toward risk-taking. They should seek adventure over safety. Ideally, they let some older men in their lives direct and temper their zeal so they don’t become reckless.
But when it comes to protecting those you love in a dangerous situation, you should always be ready to run toward the danger. Mister Rogers has a clip where he tells people to “look for the helpers.” For men and boys, a better version of this is “look for those who are running towards the danger.”
In a situation with a rogue gunman who is rushing towards the attacker to neutralize him? Or on the fated United Flight, who rushed toward the front to try and wrestle control away from the terrorists? Who dives into turbulent waters to try and save a drowning child?
There are many examples of this, and most go unsung. You must be willing to do the same. Even if you know you are throwing your life away just to give your children five more seconds to escape, to be a temporary shield from gunfire, you should weigh the cost and make that exchange.
Like a motorcycle helmet that protects someone in a crash, it must be thrown away. But it did its job. It fulfilled its purpose. A father must be willing to fulfill a similar purpose if he is called to do so.
Courage is the testing point of all virtues. A father who runs toward the danger to protect those under his care shows that his virtues are not just words that will vanish in the wind.
This also means you should be ready and paying attention. Obliviousness is not cowardice, but it can provide the same terrible result.
Remember that your life is not your own, which means your time is not your own. So instead of that last episode of whatever show you are watching, dedicate some time to getting strong, learning to shoot, gaining situational awareness, going outside your comfort zone, etc.