New, innovative e-book, ‘Raising Godly Boys,’ offers insights and guidance to fight generational battle plaguing teen boys
July 18, 2022
GREENVILLE, S.C.— A rising tide of cultural transition has been drowning the values of masculinity over the past few decades and sweeping boys into dangerous and deadly waters. It seems that the tide is advancing even more quickly now; increasingly, the traditional role of a man as provider, protector, leader, creator, and warrior is discounted.
In order to help parents, guardians, and mentors equip boys with the tools needed to turn back the tide, Trail Life USA (TrailLifeUSA.com) recently announced the release of “Raising Godly Boys,” a new resource that outlines a proven process to guide, ground, appreciate, and inspire boys for what they are — boys!
“Men and boys are being hit particularly hard right now,” stated Trail Life CEO Mark Hancock. “Men account for 4 out of 5 suicides in America and double the drug-related deaths. Depression and drug-related deaths are at an all-time high. Depression now affects nearly 33% of the population (a 285% increase from 2019 to 2021). The most rapidly growing demographic for suicide is boys ages 10-14.
“This is not a coincidence. As adults, we may metabolize this change and maintain a sense of true masculinity, but boys are growing up in a culture that has no clear definition of masculinity. We owe it to the next generation to reach back and lay claim to the time-tested generational biblical values that shaped the best of us — values like truth, courage, respect, faith, sacrifice, and service. We must establish in boys a hope for their future grounded in truth, and driven by an identity that goes beyond appearance, popularity, physical prowess, intellectual ability, success, or failure.”
“Raising Godly Boys” was written to combat these crises affecting young men. The e-book offers real-world insights, practical tips and biblically-based principles to help parents and mentors guide, ground, appreciate and inspire boys to become godly men.
Hancock continued, “Trail Life USA aims to restore the wonder and winning elements of boyhood so boys can have a sure and secure future. In ‘Raising Godly Boys,’ we outline a Proven Process used in Trail Life, but applicable for any parent or program desiring to reverse the tide of culture and raise up a remnant. This process involves guiding boys with vetted male mentors, grounding them in biblical truths, appreciating their strengths, and inspiring them through challenge and adventure.
“The reality is that we are in danger of producing a generation of unproductive narcissists. Unproductive because we don’t challenge them in meaningful ways, and narcissists because, in the interest of their pseudo-self-esteem, we do not permit growth-inducing failure. Only through real-life challenge and adventure — when boys are recognized for their successes and guided through facing and dealing with their failures — do boys become who they are created to be.
“Experiences like these present a tremendous opportunity to teach boys empathy, perseverance through adversity, and bring them to the realization that they can’t be anything they want to be. It is important for boys to understand that they are created on purpose for a purpose, and uniquely gifted by their creator to fulfill that purpose. As we effectively ground, guide, appreciate, and inspire boys, we will turn back this awful and deadly tide.”
Hancock concluded, “The need for boy-specific activities and mentoring that provides challenge and reward has never been greater! If we fail this generation, it won’t be because we over-challenged them. It will be because we under-challenged them.”
Find more information about “Raising Godly Boys” and a host of other tools and resources, visit the Raising Godly Boys Website.
Trail Life USA is the premier national character development organization for young men, producing godly and responsible husbands, fathers, and citizens. Trail Life’s mission is to guide generations of courageous young men to honor God, lead with integrity, serve others, and experience outdoor adventure. Troops exist in all 50 states and are growing as Trail Life USA expands around the country. Find a Troop today, or Start a Troop in your community. Find out more at TrailLifeUSA.com.
Trail Life USA’s K-12 program centers on outdoor experiences that build a young man’s skills. A robust awards program motivates young men to grow on a personal level to become role models and leaders among their peers. Living the Trail Life USA is a journey established on timeless values derived from the Bible.
Discover more about Trail Life USA at TrailLifeUSA.com, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or Vimeo. ###