A Valentine’s Tribute to Men: Honoring the Strength of a Man’s Heart

A Dedication to the Heart of a Man

This year, I decided to not only celebrate my mother but also my father for Valentine's Day. Our relationship hasn’t always been the warmest, but as I grow in Christ, I recognize the power of healing, love with boundaries, and forgiveness.

As men, we are often expected to give, provide, and protect, yet appreciation can be scarce. Culture has distorted manhood into a numbers game—six figures, six feet, six income streams. But the true high-value man is not defined by worldly measures. God has already given us the real blueprint: an Ephesians 5 man—one who leads in love, serves with integrity, and follows after God’s heart.

So today, let’s shift the conversation. Instead of talking about the expectations placed on men, let’s talk about what men need to feel loved, valued, and nurtured—so we can build an environment that strengthens the heart of a true, Godly man.

1. Please See Me. 👀

Men carry the privilege and weight of provision. They serve their families, build their communities, and plant seeds for future generations. Yet, instead of appreciation, they are often met with criticism for not doing more.

📌 Today, take a moment to affirm a man in your life. Acknowledge his efforts, sacrifices, and unseen labor. A simple compliment can go a long way. Men want to be seen.

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” – Romans 12:10

2. I Want to Be Heard. 🎙️

Men are told they don’t open up enough—then ridiculed when they do. Society can’t decide which is right. But scripture is clear:

✔️ Jesus wept (John 11:35). He was unashamed to express sorrow.✔️ David poured out his emotions before God (Psalm 6:6).✔️ Even the strongest men in scripture had moments of deep vulnerability.

Men need safe spaces to be expressive without being judged for it. When men are mocked for showing emotion, they shut down—and suppressed pain leads to destruction.

“A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.” – Proverbs 18:2

3. I Want to Feel Appreciated. 🙌

Men get weary. Constant expectations without encouragement can lead to exhaustion and burnout. A simple word of appreciation can reignite purpose.

✔️ Instead of focusing on how much further he has to go, recognize how far he’s come.

✔️ Instead of criticizing what’s missing, celebrate what’s been built.

✔️ Instead of pointing out flaws, highlight progress.

“So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

4. No Strings Attached. ❤️

Men don’t just want to be valued for what they provide—they want to be loved for who they are. Yes, we are called to lead, protect, and provide, but we are more than an expectation.

✔️ See the man behind the responsibility.

✔️ Love him where he is, not just where he’s going.

✔️ Allow him to grow, without pressure to be “perfect.”

“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8

5. I Need Brotherhood. 🤝

Men need other men to build them up. The right friendships sharpen, encourage, and hold accountable.

✔️ Find a circle of men who push you toward God, not just success.

✔️ Invest in relationships that strengthen your spirit, not just your ego.

✔️ Encourage the men in your life—don’t just compete with them.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17

6. Give Me Grace to Grow. 🌱

Society expects flawless execution from men. No mistakes, no learning curves, no grace. But growth is a process, not perfection.

✔️ Extend grace to the men in your life.

✔️ Understand that healing takes time.

✔️ Encourage growth without unrealistic pressure.

“Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6

7. Let Me Lead, but Walk With Me. 🏆

A man’s greatest desire is to lead his family with purpose. But leadership is not dictatorship—it’s partnership.

✔️ Encourage men to lead, without demanding perfection.

✔️ Support their vision, rather than competing with it.

✔️ Walk beside them, not just behind them.

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her.” – Ephesians 5:25

Final Thought: A Man After God’s Heart

The world has redefined masculinity, but God already set the standard. A high-value man isn’t measured by money, status, or strength—he is defined by his heart for God.

So today, let’s honor, uplift, and encourage the men in our lives—not just for what they do, but for who they are.

Happy Valentine’s Day to the men who love, lead, and labor in silence. You are seen, you are heard, you are appreciated. ❤️