Category: Book Reviews

I believe this freshly released document confirms and details quite profoundly the fleshly intricacies of Man/Woman relationships that many of us have either experienced, seen or not seen demonstrated, that may be yet residing and retrievable in our cerebral memory banks.

As mentioned early on, this document is remarkably without any scriptural inferences which fulfills my present calling of presenting secular readers, whether brand new or long time acquaintances, in my tenuous circle of influence whom may not share our Hope and under-girding Faith perspective. I am continually searching for those unoffensive worthy wisdom documents espousing an overwhelmingly attractive array of practical life truths that are available yet on the internet to everyone.

Since I’m anticipating resistance will be increasingly polarized against Christians verbally sharing their faith, I follow Paul’s model in Athens whence he established rapport with the Greeks before telling them about Jesus. He stood amidst their many idols and commented about their devotion to their many gods (Acts 17:22) Rather than rail against the idolatry of Athens, Paul used their symbols of pagan pride to gain their attention.

Another time, when speaking to educated Jewish leaders in Jerusalem, Paul pointed out his own high level of education in order to earn their respect ( Acts 22:1-2) He never bragged about his credentials, but if pertinent information would give him credibility with a specific audience, he did what he could to find common ground with them. He knew how to behave in a Hebrew household, but he could dispense with the cultural Jewish traditions when he was in a Greek household. He could be “all things to all people” for the sake of the gospel.

Understand, this does not mean we as His ambassadors are to compromise with the world in order to fit in, as an excuse to live worldly lives, assuming that unrepentant sinners will be impressed and want to come to Christ. Paul never compromised God’s moral standards set forth in Scripture; rather, he was willing to forgo traditions and familiar comforts in order to reach any audience, Jewish or non-Jewish.

The following Four Rules of Engagement for Disciples / Ambassadors were found recently in a untitled file and I do not know its source.

1. We need to listen. We are often too eager to share our thoughts, especially when we know how badly the other person needs to hear about Jesus. It is best if our lives prompt their questions and inquiries inviting us to share our hope in Him as well as His Love for them.
2.  Be kind, as kindness is often forgotten in the passion of the moment, and especially so in the anonymity of the internet. Kindness and respect never go out of style and are appropriate regardless of the subject matter.
3.  Be sensitive to culture. Our U.S. culture is changing rapidly and frequently our Judeo-Christian principles are no longer accepted or even understood. By first listening to discern where people are camped spiritually finding commonality with them, we may be able to reach those hungry for a truth they’ve never heard, such as in the worthy wisdom literature I’m collecting and using as bait when fishing for souls.
4.  Deal with prejudice. We all carry some form of prejudice. Ironically, even those who denounce prejudice of any sort are usually quite prejudiced against those they consider prejudiced! Admitting to God our own pride and repenting of judgmental attitudes and lack of love should be an ongoing process for Christians producing fruit in His kingdom.

Remember, our goal is to be inoffensive in every way except in the matter of the cross. The message of the cross of Christ naturally gives offense, but we cannot water it down. “The preaching of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing.” I Cor. 1:18. When we strive to follow Paul’s example and become all things to all people, we must be willing to humble ourselves, let go of our “rights,” meet people where they are, and do whatever Jesus calls us to do. Since He died to save them, are we not obligated to love them enough to tell them in “ways” they can understand?

BOTTOM LINE:

In attempting this mission, with internet access to worthy secular wisdom literature such as the above document addressing our culture’s number one ailment, relationship pain, perhaps we as His ambassadors can facilitate productive meaningful conversations among our secular readers and friends who may not share our Hope and Faith perspective. Hopefully, all the while, helping them better understand their present relationship challenges moving them towards possible healing, all of which may establish their future trust in Christ. Can you see endless opportunities to share His Love if you’re called or so inclined in a dozen or so of our culture’s hot button topics?

NEXT UP: What To Do When Your Burden Is Overwhelming (April 13th My Utmost FHH)

When a man truly loves and adores a woman, one of the most revealing aspects of that love is his willingness to be vulnerable with her and vulnerability, true unguarded openness, is no small thing for a man. In a world that constantly demands stoicism from men, that teaches them to suppress emotion to be unshaken and unaffected by the chaos around them, choosing to lower those defenses in front of a woman is an act of profound trust.

It is, in many ways, the ultimate sign of deep affection. Why? Because vulnerability is risk. It is the willingness to expose something fragile, one’s fears, insecurities, hopes, and emotional depths, without the certainty of how it will be received. For many men, this is a terrifying proposition. They have been conditioned either through experience or societal expectation to believe that emotional exposure is a weakness that to be perceived as strong, they must always be composed always in control, always unaffected.

And yet, when a man truly loves a woman, he begins to dismantle that armor. He allows her to see, not just his strengths, but his struggles. This does not mean he becomes weak, or that he loses the very traits that make him dependable; quite the opposite. A man who can be emotionally open with his partner is a man who is truly secure in himself. It is a sign of confidence, not fragility.

Because only a man who is truly strong can afford to be soft when it matters. Only a man who is deeply sure of his place in a relationship can take the risk of letting his partner see him without his defenses. And a woman who understands the significance of this will recognize the depth of love it represents. When a man chooses to share his struggles with you when he allows you into the parts of himself that he does not readily show the world. It is not a casual act. It means he trusts you with something that is not easily given and trust in a relationship is the foundation upon which everything else is built.

But here’s where many people make a mistake. When a man opens up, he is not necessarily looking for solutions. He is not always seeking advice. More often than not, what he is truly seeking is understanding, the ability to speak openly without judgment, the ability to express fears without them being diminished, and the ability to reveal weakness without being made to feel weak.

If a woman responds to his vulnerability with impatience, with dismissal or worse, with contempt, she teaches him one thing; that it is not safe to open up to her. Once that trust is broken the relationship shifts and he will withdraw, OR, he will revert to the familiar patterns of silence and emotional distance, not because he does not love her, but because he has learned that his love is safer when it is guarded.

This is why the way a woman responds to a man’s vulnerability is so crucial. It is one thing to say that you want emotional openness in a relationship. It is another to create an environment in which that openness is truly welcomed because what a man is looking for in these moments is not perfection. He does not expect his partner to have all the answers. He does not need her to solve his problems. What he needs is reassurance that he is not alone in them, that his emotions are not a burden, that his fears do not make him unworthy, therefore   deepening the relationship in ways that nothing else can.

Because when a man knows that he can be his whole self with a woman that he does not have to filter his emotions, that he does not have to maintain a façade (a deceptive outward appearance), he bonds with her on a level that is unbreakable. He does not just love her. He needs her, not in a dependent way, but in the way that a person needs a home, a place where they are fully accepted, and when a man finds that, he does not leave.

 But vulnerability is very fragile thing. A relationship built on trust and emotional safety can be undone with just a few careless moments, a dismissive remark, an inpatient response, an attitude of ridicule toward his emotions. These things do not just wound a man, they teach him. They teach him that his vulnerability was a mistake, and once that lesson is learned, it is incredibly difficult to unlearn. So, if you have a man who is willing to share his deeper thoughts with you, to be open about his fears, to let you see him in his rawest moments, understand what that means. It is not small; it is not trivial. It is an invitation into a part of himself that few ever see, and how you respond to that will shape not only the relationship you share, but the very way he sees love itself. Because a man will never leave a woman who makes him feel truly seen, truly safe, truly accepted. He may forget moments of passion or excitement or adventure, but he will never forget the person who gave him the space to be himself fully and without fear. And if you can be that for him, you will hold a place in his heart that no one else ever could.

When it comes to relationships, one of the most overlooked yet profoundly important aspects, is how a woman makes a man feel about himself when he is with her. It’s not just about love, attraction or even shared values, though all of these do matter. At the deepest level, a man will stay with a woman who makes him feel like the best version of himself, not because she inflates his ego with empty praise, but because in her presence, he sees himself as someone stronger, more capable, more purposeful.

This is something many people fail to understand about male psychology. A man’s identity, his very sense of self, is built around his ability to be useful, to have purpose. It is not just about external accomplishments, though, those are often the tangible markers of his worth in society.

More fundamentally, it is about the role he plays in the lives of the people he cares about. A man needs to feel needed, and if he doesn’t, he will either check out emotionally or eventually leave entirely. Now, this doesn’t mean a woman should create artificial dependence or play helpless to keep a man engaged, quite the opposite. A woman who is strong, independent, and confident in her own right, but who still values and appreciates what a man brings to her life is infinitely more compelling than one who leans on him out of necessity.

What matters is that she recognizes his contributions, that she acknowledges the weight he carries, that she makes him feel like what he does and who he is, matters to her. Men are not praised as often as they should be. Think how from childhood, boys are often taught that their worth is tied to their performance. They are encouraged to be strong, to endure hardship, to suppress emotion, in favor of action. And while these traits can be valuable, they also mean that many men go through life without ever hearing that they are appreciated, not for what they do, but for who they are. If a man finds a woman who not only sees his efforts but respects and admires the man behind them, she becomes irreplaceable to him.

NEXT UP: FINAL THOUGHTS – Understanding True Love

He will take actions that ensure your well-being in the long term, whether that means making financial decisions with you in mind, considering your needs in his career choices, or simply making sure that the life you build together is one of stability and security. A man who is reckless with his future is also reckless with yours, and that is not a sign of love. It is a sign of immaturity.

But here’s the thing; protection is a two-way street. A relationship is not a scenario where one person does all the shielding, while the other remains passive. A woman who is truly worthy of this of kind of love will also offer protection in return, not in the same physical sense perhaps, but in the way she nurtures his mind, his emotions, and his Spirit. She will create a safe space for him to express himself without fear of judgment. She will protect his confidence, just as he protects hers. She will stand by him when he faces the inevitable hardships of life rather than retreating at the first sign of trouble.

At the core of it, love is about having each other’s backs. It’s about making the conscious choice to be a source of strength rather than a source of stress. If a man loves you, you will feel safe, not just physically, but in every way that matters. You will not have to question whether he will be there for you in moments of weakness. You will not have to wonder if he will shield you from unnecessary pain, and that is what real love looks like.

It is not just merely passion or attraction. It is the willingness to stand beside someone to bear some of their burdens to ensure that, no matter what life brings they never have to face it alone. When a man loves and adores a woman, it manifests not only in his words, but in his consistency, his unwavering presence, his reliability, his ability to be counted on, even in the smallest moments.

This is one of the most overlooked, yet most telling aspects of true love. It’s easy to be affectionate when emotions are high, when passion is burning, when everything is smooth but love, real love is demonstrated in the steady commitment to show up again and again, regardless of the circumstances. Consistency is a form of devotion. It signals that a man is not just emotionally invested in a passing moment but rather in the long-term stability of the relationship, and what does that look like?

It means he keeps his word. If he says he’ll call, he calls; if he promises to be there, he is. There is no ambiguity, no last-minute changes that leave you wondering where you stand. A man who truly adores you doesn’t leave you in a perpetual state of uncertainty. He makes it clear through his actions, not just his words, that you are a priority, not an afterthought.

This kind of consistency provides a woman with something invaluable; security. And not just in the obvious sense. Yes, there is security in knowing that someone will be there when they say they will, but there is also emotional security, the kind that allows a woman to open up fully, to trust deeply, to love without hesitation. A man who is inconsistent, who is there one moment and distant the next, creates an emotional environment filled with doubt.

A woman in that position is left questioning, analyzing, second guessing; that is not love! That is emotional chaos and love in its truest form, does not create chaos. It creates stability, but consistency goes beyond just being present.

It is also about emotional reliability. Does he react to conflict with the same level of respect and composure each time, or does his temperament and level of affection shift unpredictably conditional on how the day is going for him. A man who truly loves and adores you, will not be emotionally erratic. He will not make you feel like his love depends on whether things are easy or difficult. He will make it clear that he is committed, no matter what.

And it’s not just about the big moments; anyone can be consistent in the grand gestures; anniversaries, birthdays, celebrations, but true consistency shows up in the every-day in the simple habits that signal love and commitment. The text message to check in, not because he has to, but because he genuinely wants to know how your day is going. The way he remembers the small things, your favorite drink, the way you like your coffee, the song that always makes you smile, the way he asks about the details of your life, not as a formality, but because he truly cares.

A man’s consistency is a reflection of his Integrity. A man who is consistent in his love is a man who understands responsibility, who does not take relationships lightly, who recognizes that love is not about grandiose words but about showing up every single day. He does not withdraw his affection when things become difficult. He does not retreat when life becomes stressful. He remains steady because he understands that love is a foundation, not a fleeting emotion, and perhaps most importantly, consistency is the antidote to insecurity.

When a woman knows with absolute certainty that her man is there for her, not just when it’s convenient, but always, she is freed from the need to constantly seek reassurance. She does not have to wonder if he will leave when things get hard. She does not have to question if he truly cares. She knows, because he has shown her repeatedly through his actions. This is what separates a fleeting connection from a lasting bond. It’s what allows relationships to deepen, to grow, to evolve into something unbreakable, because at the end of the day, love is not just about feelings, it’s about action.

It’s about the daily choice to be there to care to remain steady in a world that is anything but. And so, if a man loves and adores you, you will not have to question his presence in your life. He will not be a mystery, a puzzle you are constantly trying to solve. He will be there, again and again, without question, without hesitation, without fail, because love, real love is not uncertain. It is sure steady and unwavering.

NEXT UP: Clue #4 The Most Powerful Way He Shows His Love – Truly Unguarded Vulnerability!

But it’s not just about the long term, it’s about the everyday. Love is not built in moments of passion alone. It’s built in consistency. Does he make an effort to check in on you, not just when he wants something, but simply because he cares? Does he listen when you speak truly absorbing what you say rather than waiting for his turn to respond? Does he make space for you in his schedule, even when he’s busy? A man who prioritizes you will make sure that you feel valued in his presence.

He won’t leave you guessing about where you stand. He won’t make you feel like you’re fighting for scraps of his attention. And if you find yourself constantly questioning whether you’re important to him, that itself is an answer.

Many people fall into the trap of excusing neglect in relationships. They rationalize it telling themselves, he’s just bad at communication or going through a lot right now. And while it’s true that life can be complicated and people have different ways of expressing love, there is one fundamental truth that remains.

When a man values something, he takes care of it. He protects it. He nurtures it, and he does not allow it to feel neglected. Now, here’s where this becomes even more critical. A man’s willingness to prioritize you is directly linked to his respect for you. Love without respect is. unsustainable. If a man sees you as truly valuable, he will treat you as such, he won’t take you for granted. He won’t expect you to always be available while he remains distant and detached. Instead, he will ensure that his actions reflect his appreciation for you, not just in words, but in how he structures his life around the relationship.

And this is why self-respect is crucial on your end as well. If you allow yourself to accept a position of constant secondary importance in someone’s life, you are reinforcing the idea that it is acceptable. If you tolerate inconsistent effort, you are teaching him that minimal effort is sufficient. Love cannot thrive in an environment where one person is always compromising, and the other is always benefiting.

So, what’s the takeaway here? It’s simple. If a man loves and adores you, you won’t have to question whether you matter to him. He will show you day in and day out through his actions, his presence, and his choices. And if you find yourself constantly having to convince him to make space for you in his life, then you’re not his priority. You’re an option, and you should never settle for being an option.

 One of the most telling signs that a man truly loves and adores you is the way he protects you, not just physically but emotionally, psychologically, and even spiritually. Protection in its deepest sense is not about dominance or control. It’s about care. It’s about the conscious effort to shield you from harm; to create an environment where you feel safe, valued and supported.

This instinct to protect is deeply wired into men. Historically, men have been the guardians of the tribe, the defenders of the home, the ones who stood between danger and those they loved. And while the threats may look different in the modern world; no wild animals, no enemy tribes at the gates, the instinct remains.  A man who loves you will not be indifferent to your suffering. He will not allow you to face life’s battles alone while he remains passive; he will be invested in your well-being, in your emotional security, in the quality of your life.

But let’s make something clear. This kind of protection is not about solving all of your problems for you. A good man doesn’t see his woman as helpless. He sees her as capable. He doesn’t take away her autonomy or make her dependent on him. Instead, he stands beside her ready to bear some of the burden when the weight of the world becomes too much. He is there, not to rescue her, but to support her.

This is evident in how he responds when you’re in distress. When life throw’s challenges your way, whether it’s stress at work, difficulties with friends or family, or internal struggles with self-doubt, does he show up for you? Does he take the time to listen to understand to reassure you that you’re not alone? Or does he dismiss your concerns, minimize your emotions, or make you feel as though your struggles are an inconvenience to him? A man who loves you will not let you suffer in silence. He will notice when you’re in pain, even when you try to hide it, and he will do what he can to make things easier for you.

And let’s not forget emotional protection. This is where many men fail without realizing it. A man who truly adores you will not play with your emotions. He will not manipulate you, make you feel insecure, or engage in mind games that leave you questioning his commitment.

Instead, he will offer you stability. He will communicate with honesty and clarity. He will not make you feel like love is something you have to earn more that his affection is conditional on your ability to please him. This emotional protection also means safeguarding your confidence and self-worth. A loving man does not belittle the woman he adores. He does not make cruel jokes at her expense. He does not criticize her in a way that erodes her self-esteem.

On the contrary, he lifts her up. He speaks to her with respect. He acknowledges her strength and even when he has to address a problem or conflict, he does in a way that is constructive, not destructive.

And then there’s the social aspect of protection. When a man loves a woman, he will not tolerate disrespect toward her. He won’t stand by while others demean her; whether it’s friends, family members, or even strangers. He will make it clear through both words and actions that she is someone he values deeply and that he expects others to treat her with the same respect.

A man’s protective nature is also evident in the way he plans for the future. If he truly sees you as his partner, he will think beyond the present moment.

NEXT UP:

CLUE #3: He does This EVEN WHEN YOU’RE NOT AROUND

PRAYER REMINDERS:

Post 4/19/25: Aron Lee Ralston; that Aron hears Christ’s call & fulfills his life’s destinies for himself, his children – Leon & Elisabetta, as well as his life’s motto, “There are possibilities in our problems, transformation in our trauma, and blessings in our boulders” and the His best for them is yet to come!

Post 04/21/25: Glendon, Simon and the persecuted Christians in Nigeria, Africa, and Asia..

THANK YOU

This is the first in a series of five posts that I received a week after the original READ WEEP PRINT & KEEP of the Orlando FL editorial posted Saturday April 5 . Such outstanding documents are indeed rare and I do hope you readers will forward me any such that you think qualify for this distinction. I’ll reveal its author with the fifth post. I am in awe of its commonsense content even though I find not a shred of scriptural influence or reference. Enjoy.

If you want to truly know if a man really loves you, listen to what he says. Watch what he does. Words are easy. They can be crafted, manipulated, and delivered with precision, often without any real substance behind them.

Actions, on the other hand, tell a story that words alone never could. A man who loves you doesn’t leave you wondering about his feelings because his behavior consistently aligns with his words. And that’s a critical distinction. People often talk about love as if it’s this grand mysterious emotion that suddenly overtakes you, something you feel deeply but can’t quite explain.

But love in its most functional and healthy form is far more practical than that. It’s a pattern of behavior, an ongoing commitment, a set of choices made over and over again. A man who loves you is a man who acts in accordance with that love. He doesn’t just declare that he cares. He demonstrates it in ways that are tangible, observable, and consistent.

Consider this! When someone is truly invested in something, they don’t neglect it. You can see it in the way they prioritize their time, and the way they handle conflict, and the way they take responsibility. If a man claims to love you but repeatedly cancels plans, avoids difficult conversations, or fails to support you in moments of need, then his actions contradict his words and contradictions and behavior are revealing. They indicate a lack of Integrity in the emotional foundation of the relationship. A man who genuinely adores you, makes an effort to please you by remembering those important small details, not because he’s required to, but because he longs to. If something is important to you, it becomes important to him. He takes note of your preferences, your struggles, your dreams, and he engages with them in a way that demonstrates genuine care.

Now that doesn’t mean he has to be perfect, but it does mean that his love is evident in the way he shows up, not just when it’s convenient, but consistently. Consistency, in fact, is one of the strongest indicators of love. It’s easy to make a grand gesture every-once-in-a- while to plan an elaborate date to say something deeply romantic in a moment of passion, but none of that matters if the exotic events, are not backed up by quiet meaningful everyday efforts.

NEXT UP: His Priorities Shift Exclusively To You