Fearlessly Courageous
Desk of Dennis Piller
12 19 2025
Honoring the Quiet Strength of Men This Christmas
This Christmas season, as we celebrate the birth of our Savior and the hope He brings,
I want us to pause and think about someone who is often overlooked…
the men in our lives. Husbands, dads, grandpas, sons, brothers, uncles, and friends.
(Maybe for you it’s a Grandma or Aunt) Many of them love deeply, give sacrificially,
and stand strong for everyone around them, yet so much of what they carry…
they carry quietly and alone.
I read these seven statements about men online, and they struck me deeply as a man. I felt I want to encourage each of you to lift them up…love them in a different way…be sure, they are praised to the roof this year for who they are and what they do. I added some thoughts and scriptures to encourage you to love them More than any other year. This may be encouragement you want to pass on to some grandkids, spouses, or children as a reminder.
- Many men starve for appreciation, but remember one kind word for years.
Scripture tells us:
📖 “Encourage one another and build each other up.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Think about the dad who fixes the leaky faucet, takes the trash out, works long days,
and shoulders the responsibility of keeping things steady.
(If he’s grumpy, we should know he is tired). He doesn’t ask for applause.
He just keeps going. But one simple word of appreciation—
“We see you. We’re thankful for you.”
That kind of encouragement doesn’t just bless him for a moment.
It stays in his heart for years.
This Christmas, maybe the greatest gift isn’t wrapped in paper.
Maybe it’s spoken in gratitude and appreciation.
2. Many men have learned to cry silently
📖 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18
Picture the father or grandfather sitting alone after everyone leaves, missing loved ones who aren’t here anymore. Or the man who’s gone through loss, disappointment, or hurt but feels like he has to “hold it together.” He wipes tears before anyone walks back into the room.
Sometimes the most Christlike thing we can do is simply sit beside him, rest a hand on his shoulder, be a little clingy, linger awhile, and let him know—
You’re not alone.
You matter.
We love you…I love you
3. Many men wear strength like armor while hurting inside
📖 “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” — Nehemiah 8:10
We all know a man who smiles in public, laughs around the table, helps everyone move, prays for others… yet lies awake at night wondering how much longer he can keep going. He looks like a rock…but even rocks crack.
Behind the smile, many men wrestle with self-doubt and fear… one safe conversation can be the lifeline they didn’t know they needed in a fight no one knew he was fighting. From experience I can assure you; The man you think “has it all together” might be quietly falling apart.
God never asked men to be made of steel. He asked them to lean on His strength. But honestly and unfortunately, we default to our own strength and burn out.
Maybe we can help by saying,
“You don’t always have to be the strong one. We’re here. God’s here. It’s okay to rest.”
Love them with words. A simple hug, prayer, or kind message can change everything.
4. Many men fight battles in their minds
📖 “Cast all your cares on Him, because He cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7
There are husbands, fathers, providers, and sons who worry silently:
“Am I doing enough?”
“Am I failing my family?”
“Am I good enough?”
They don’t complain.
They just fight… quietly.
What if this Christmas, instead of assuming they’re “fine,” we prayed with them, encouraged them, or simply said,
“You don’t have to carry your burdens alone. We care, and God cares.”
How impactful might it be for a child, a grandchild, to ask…Can I pray that God blesses you, especially this year, for all you do for us? Just a one sentence prayer.
5. Many men feel loneliness deeply
📖 “It is not good for man to be alone.” — Genesis 2:18
Loneliness doesn’t always look like isolation.
Sometimes it looks like routine.
Work. Home. TV. Bed. Repeat. Repeat…Repeat again.
Men can be surrounded by people and still feel unseen. Men often swallow loneliness to stay “strong”… A text, a visit, or “let’s talk” can remind them they’re not alone.
Maybe this Christmas, we can invite them in.
“Come sit with us.”
“Let’s talk.”
“Let’s spend time together.” “Take THEM to lunch or a hot dog”.
Sometimes, just knowing someone wants them near reminds them they still matter.
6. Many men love deeply—and it hurts when love isn’t returned
📖 “Do everything in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14
Men often show love quietly:
by paying bills,
staying late at work,
showing up at games,
fixing things that break.
They may not say a word,
but their hearts feel every slight,
every dismissal,
every “thank you” that never comes.
A simple hug, is not so simple.
A handwritten note…so powerful…but so rare.
A “thank you for loving us so well.”
A hug that won’t let him go even though he trying to get away.
Those things heal more than we know.
7. Too often, they are told “man up” instead of “are you okay?”
📖 “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2
Boys are told, “Don’t cry.”
Teens are told, “Grow up.”
Men are told, “Tough it out.”
But Jesus didn’t shame hurting hearts.
He comforted them.
He listened.
He loved.
Maybe it’s time we stop saying,
“Be tougher…mostly we say nothing, or that’s mom’s job.
And start saying,
“Talk to me. I’m here. You matter.”
That’s when healing begins and finds a depth in him he may have never known but will never forget.
My dear friends and family,
this Christmas isn’t just about lights, gifts, or meals.
It’s about honoring the One who came with compassion, tenderness, and love—
and learning to love like Him. I know you know that.
But let’s make this a year for encouragement.
Let’s appreciate more.
Let’s listen more.
Let’s pray little prayers for each other.
Let’s lift up the men God has placed in our lives.
📖 “Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” — Proverbs 16:24
May we be the kind of people who speak those words,
offer that love, and remind every heart—
especially the quiet, strong ones—
that they are seen, valued, and deeply loved.
Amen.
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Jamal Roberts HEAL
