In society today, words like masculinity make people pause. Very often, masculinity is described as “toxic”. Other times, if that word is used, people feel compelled to qualify it by saying ‘masculinity – in a good sense’. I wonder: Are there other gifts from God that we have to qualify? Do we ever speak of “good” femininity, as if to make it clear? And what are we teaching our children? Are we teaching them that men should not grow in masculinity, power, authority and dominance – all gifts from God intended for the good of men and women alike? Jesus speaks about a “good” shepherd and what that shepherd does for his sheep. Can you imagine what happens to the sheep when the shepherd does not have power, authority or dominance and must confront the wolves, thieves or a lack of water? God help us!