THE REAL MAN'S BREAKFAST

CHAPTER 4 A REAL MAN HAS BROTHERS

THE POWER OF FELLOWSHIP WITH OTHER MEN

Men's support networks have proven to be highly effective in addressing various mental health challenges and help in personal development. These groups provide a safe space for men to share experiences, receive emotional support, and build a sense of community, which is crucial given the societal pressures many men face regarding emotional expression. No man should die alone when GOD provided him with brothers. As a man you are spurred to find a safe space to divulge whatever is paining you - be vulnerable to your brothers. Do not allow problems to cage you no matter what. Children lose fathers due to stress and depression which could have been prevented if a man had a safe space. Proverbs 11:14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.

The bible makes it clear that in the multitude of counsellors there is safety, a real man allows other men to barricade his life, these are men who are capacitated to offer advice, and tell you what you do not necessarily want to hear but what you need to hear to transform your life for greatness. Life is characterised by thoughts, these thoughts come as drops of ideas, if we fail to monitor what enters our minds we are in danger of finding ourselves drowning in a sea of negative thoughts which may eventually lead to depression. If we change the negative thoughts we change our experiences.

Martin Luther says we cannot stop birds from flying over our minds but we can stop them from building their nests. Be willing to be vulnerable before other men, share your fears with ease. You cannot be at ease if you are not surrounded by men who upholds moral values. It is imperative to identify your tribe. That tribe should be characterised by men who have what you want in life, they act as a motivation, success is contagious as you hang around them you are bound to learn their winning ways.

Suitable environments for making a better man
1. Church
The church has proven to be a better place for men. A church is a community of believers, these are people with a common goal - becoming more like their saviour. At church both your emotional and spiritual needs are addressed every time you attend a church service. The word of God is life, it is therapeutic and a true nourisher. Lives are being altered, many men have been transformed by going to church, they drop bad habits and adopt good habits which change their lives for better.

2. Counselling centres
Professional counselling can help men address personal issues, mental health and character development.

3. Personal development retreats/Boot-camps
Join programs design for men focusing on sellf-improvement, emotional healing and community building can be transformative.

Key benefits of surrounding your life with other men
1. Emotional support: Men's support groups allow members to express feelings without judgment, bring up empathy and understanding. This connection can significantly reduce feelings of isolation and improve emotional resilience.

2. Mental health improvement: Participation in these groups has been linked to lower stress and anxiety levels. Research indicates that peer support can enhance overall mental well-being, making it easier for men to discuss issues like depression and anxiety openly.

3. Community and connection: Many men struggle with loneliness, and support groups provide a sense of belonging. This community aspect helps combat isolation and creates lasting friendships, which can enhance overall happiness.

4. Personal growth: Support groups encourage self-reflection and goal setting, leading to personal achievements. Members often report significant improvements in confidence and life satisfaction as a result of the encouragement received from peers.

5. Accountability and motivation: These groups stimulate accountability, motivating members to pursue personal and professional goals through mutual support and check-in. man who bows before God, challenges of this life have no choice but to bow before him. A real man bow before the almighty God. The source of eternal power and author of life.

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A real man is characterised by having muscles in 5 spheres of life, that is spiritually, emotionally,physically, socially and financially
Dr. Mduduzi Walter Mkhonta