Like a Man: The Power of Trying

By Jeffery Ian Smith

When I thought of dedicating a book in honour of my fathers life and his work, and when I began to put together the outline, I suddenly realized how much his examples -though simple - are in fact precious and humble directives that can help men in general, any particular man, to start life well, to develop progressively through the stages of life, to fight and win in life despite the obstacles and to end life with a real sense of achievement, like a man.

Examples of good men - dead or alive - are not so far-fetched anymore, and although they are not readily sought after, they are still very special. It is sad the kind of disregard that is given to concepts such as role modelling, coaching and mentoring in a world where the benefits of engaging them (the ideas and the practices) are so important and seriously needed.

Jesus was and still is a very good role model, coach and mentor. While He was here on earth, His life echoed goodness of diverse kinds as He sought to fulfill His mission of genuine, radical transformation. His examples of taking care of people, submitting to authority and for diligent work etc., are tried and proven, although they are arguably not the easiest to follow. However, those who followed Him as His direct reports (Peter, John, James, the other disciples) and thousands of others who believe His method for success in life, are relentless in their efforts at encouraging as many more persons as possible, and especially men, everywhere to follow along.

Our Daddy evidently had the same characteristics as these and other great men of the world, the only difference is that he operated at a different level and I am proud etching his name in my first book publication because he gave me so many good reason to.

He had a heart for children, he loved helping others, he gave a lot of his time and energy to doing Church work unconditionally, he was serious about business, he connected well with all types of people, he gave of cash and kind to as many as had need, even more than he could afford and he was man enough to repent and forgive.

The eight examples presented in this book might not be the greatest stepping stones for life and success in general. They most probably will never be advanced as official theories, but I am confident that they can be followed by any young man who is committed to making good out of life to the advantage of himself and his family.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing
• Release date: Jan 21, 2016
• ISBN: 9781490767383

Jeffery Ian Smith

Jeffery Smith, P.E., is respected as a teacher of the word of God and is a Minister of the Shiloh Apostolic Church of Jamaica. He writes articles on general topics for local magazines and also for various writing competitions. He has been praised by some of his Professors as an astute analyzer and writer of technical reports. After graduating with a B.Sc. degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of the West Indies he went on to read for a specialized Masters degree in Water Utility Management from the prestigious AgroParisTech University in Montpelier, France. Mr Smith is currently employed an Engineer at the National Water Commission and is a Director on the board of the Company's Cooperative Credit Union. He also serves as the Chaplin of the Woodlawn School of Special Education in Mandeville, Jamaica. He is married to Michele Ann and they are blessed with one daughter, Joshanne Mishae'l.

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ISBN: 978-1-4907-6737-6 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4907-6738-3 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015919528

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CONTENTS

Like A Man – The Title

Preface

Example # 1: Our Father never boasted about starting life early. He was upset instead with those who were wasting time and wasting youth

Example # 2: Our Father had many children, yet he gave everyone his best care

Example # 3: If there was one gift Dad had, that gift was easily helping others

Example # 4: Church work was second nature for this really ordinary man

Example # 5: Our Daddy had a positive business perspective

Example # 6: Daddy connected well with people

Example # 7: Daddy sowed seeds into many different fields

Example # 8: Daddy Repented and He Forgave

Acknowledgements

About The Author

LIKE A MAN – THE TITLE

When I thought of dedicating a book in honour of my father’s life and his work, and when I began to put together the outline, I suddenly realized how much his examples -though simple - are in fact precious and humble directives that can help men in general, any particular man, to start life well, to develop progressively through the stages of life, to fight and win in life despite the obstacles and to end life with a real sense of achievement, like a man.

AU.jpg

PREFACE

Examples of good men - dead or alive - are not so farfetched anymore and despite the fact that they are not readily sought after, they are still very special. It is too sad the kind of disregard and lack of exposure that concepts like role modelling, coaching and mentoring receives, in a world where the benefits of engaging them (the ideas and the practices) are so very important and seriously needed.

One of the bright minds of Europe once said that among the reasons why third world countries are developing so slowly is the fact that they want too much to be original in everything, instead of benefiting from lots of good examples right before their very eyes and available easily through access to information. Is this also the case of third world men and men in general?

Jesus is and was a very good role model, coach and mentor. While He was here on earth, His life echoed goodness of diverse kinds as He sought to fulfil His mission of genuine, radical transformation. His examples of taking care of people, submitting to authority and for diligent work etc., are tried and proven, although they are arguably not the easiest to follow. However, those who followed Him as His direct reports (Peter, John, James, the other disciples) and thousands of others, who believe His method for success in life, are relentless in their efforts at encouraging as many more persons as possible, and especially men, everywhere to follow along.

Men of all race and religion are called to be responsible for their immediate environment like the first man Adam was. Although the task is now much harder because our would be prodigy disobeyed God. We are however not the least excused as a result and in a world that is filled with extensive negative orders we still must deliver. The whole creation still groans anxiously for the sons of God to be manifested (Romans 8: 19, AMP). I still believe, though it may seem strange, that men can yet arise and get to grips with their bona fide disposition.

It is absolutely refreshing to reflect on men who take very good care of people, especially the women and the children in their own lives and women and children in general. Jesus said to the community folks who would have stoned their sister to death because she made a mistake, if you think you are so good (better than her), go ahead and throw the stone… after some drama she was vindicated and forgiven because a good man cared (John 8:1-11).

On another occasion, the brothers who were supposed to be learning from Him (Jesus), chased away some kids who they thought were unworthy of connecting with Jesus - maybe because of their parent’s reputation - but Jesus found them, brought them back and