For some reason there are perspectives out there that a man has to be cold, tough, and brash. That a real man hunts, fights, shoots guns, knows how to fish, rides a motorcycle fast… etc… Although, I know and do most of the above, I am here to tell you those actions, activities or mentalities does not define nor make a man. I am here to tell you God is Whom defines what a man is, and Christ is a perfect example. Want to know what I think are the Marks of a Great Man? Then take a look at a live video Devotional I did on it at this link: https://youtu.be/Hjt_rlVwucY
As all of you may know, I have a Podcast and a YouTube Channel called, Purpose, Principles, Passion which I cover areas of living with Purpose, navigating life with Principles, while exploring life to it’s fullest with Passion in the form of “Devotionals”, brief faith testimonial excerpts called “Faith in Five”, interviews with interesting “not your typical Christians” called “Saturday Sit Down”, “Fitness” which I shar strategies, and advice on fitness of the Body, Mind, and soul, “He Said She Said” which shares faith, life and tough topics from a male and female perspective, some “Moto Vlogging”, and “Outdoor Adventures & Gear”… I also write articles on Medium, have a Blog called “Purpose Principles Passion”, and finishing up my book of the same title.
I cover a variety of topics with a Christian perspective in a genuine and authentic manner. Sometimes I get negative feedback in addition to positive feedback. Sure, I have been ridiculed at times, or even told that I do not know what I am talking about, or what gives me the credentials to speak on some of the topics I share.
First of all, what I do, how I serve, is not dependent on the opinion of the masses. I do not do what I do to “please” people, but to honor God. (Colossians 3:23–24)
Wisdom also dictates, for lack of a better term, “be a bobble head and a duck” when it truly doesn’t matter, or if there is no risk of harm. In other words, words can indeed hurt and harm a person emotionally, (Proverbs 18:21, Colossians 4:6). However, if they do not cause, or have the immediate intent to cause physical harm, or they are from a person or people whom lack wisdom, just shake it off like a duck and let it roll off; or if it is from someone you have to endure a level of involvement, (such as a bad boss or leader), simply nod your head and do what you truly know is best. If you would like all the verses that support this perspective, shoot me a Direct Message and I will send them to you.
So this gives me thought about what has been swamping social media with the Will Smith smack to Chris Rock. At first thoughts, I did think it was staged, and even got a bit on the band wagon of creating a meme or two of my own. Then after some thoughts, and study, I didn’t want to contribute nor seem as if I am supporting, nor making light of such actions. I then immediately deleted the two meme’s I made of my own.
I do not believe this action was staged. I will also tell you it was neither wise, logical, mature, or manly in what Will Smith did. It was overly emotionally, irrationally, and frankly adolescent of him in what actions he took. I think Chris Rock handled it very well, like a professional, and a man. Although I am not a fan of a lot of Chris Rock’s humor, I was impressed in the way he handled himself.
Some may say, “Chris Rock deserved it”. I disagree. Chris Rock has been a stand up comedian for many, many years. We, and all of Hollywood know his skit, and ribbing, often similar to Don Rickels, and roastings hosted by Dean Martin, of the past. I do not believe Chris Rock knew of Jada’s illness of Alopecia that affects her hair, either. Chris was on his typical roll, and he ribbed several before, and no one else over reacted, got up, nor lost emotional control, like on a stage such as the Oscars where millions are watching. These are all highly paid acting and comedic professionals whom should know how to handle themselves, especially in front of the cameras.
Yes, I whole heartily agree that men should be defenders and protectors. Yes, men can, or even should be violent men of God, but whom have it all under voluntarily control. Will Smith was clearly out of control, and let is spew out on a much smaller man over a light joke from a comic whom is known for such jokes.
I think Candace Owens kind of summarized it up well in her video assessment at this link: https://youtu.be/yxNTcMsULuY
Now do not get me wrong, if someone insults my family, especially my children, or the fine lady I am dating (or my spouse if I was married), I would not appreciate it, may even get angry. However, in a venue of such a nature, hosted by a comedian in which “roasting”, “teasing” and “joking”: of such nature is common for him, I would have expected it, and would give someone like Chris Rock the benefit of the doubt that he may not know of my wife’s illness. I would hope I would handle it like the professional, being aware of the venue, and possibly address it with Chris Rock off stage, and off the cameras.
Now, if my family was put in physical harm or danger, I would indeed execute upon on my ability, knowledge, and training to protect and defend my loved ones. But come on, this was Chris Rock making jokingly jabs as he does most of Hollywood, and many others, as part of his skits, and comedic flavor.
The fact that Chris Rock “roasted”, “teased”, and “joked” with others, and they took it all in good humor, and even Will Smith himself did at the beginning, until Jada’s role of the eyes, and scowl. It was then when Will Smith acted out of boyish emotion and anger. To me that wasn’t manly or being a masculine defender, and protector. To me that was being more like a “Simp”. A man lost in his emotion, stressed over his own relationship with his promiscuous wife whom nearly demasculated him on national TV speaking of her cheating on Will Smith in the past.
Again, do not get me wrong. We all have our moments. We all make mistakes, and as a man of faith writing this, I have made boyish, and overly emotional decisions which led to actions I am not proud of. However, I will share they have been more in my much younger, and less wise days. The good thing is that we can be forgiven by our Creator, learn from our mistakes, strive to make them right, and learn from them. I would like to think that I have learned from mine, and strive never to repeat them. I hope Will Smith may learn something from all of this as well.
In closing, I confess, I am disappointed in Will Smith. He is a talented actor, singer, and even comedian himself. Which merits the fact that he should have known better and be able to better control his emotions, especially in a venue such as the Oscars, and in front of national TV. I am glad he apologized to Chris Rock later, but I would of liked to have seen it right before he accepted his Oscar and went into his speech. I do hope his apology was authentic and genuine. However, who am I to judge? I am not judging Will Smith, nor Chris Rock. Some ONE else has that job, and I certainly do not want it. However, I am disappointed, and unfortunately viewing Will Smith under a different lens that I hope he may be able to clear, just as I have tried to clear my own.
No matter the opinions, perspectives, circumstances, no matter the human emotions, we are all, as adults, responsible for our own actions.
