Love like a man

Love is not that gooey, flowery, and silly way that movies and candy companies want us to view it. Love is powerful and gentle, kind and uplifting, and can move mountains. Loving like a man is not a weakness, but rather a great strength that we have seeming lost over the last 2 generations. We are told that love is only for our family and that loving others is not manly. So I am going to tell you about loving like a man from a person I admire more than most other people. His name was Joe Arbisi

Joe was a swim coach to me, but he was so much more. Joe really taught me so life lessons and was there for not only me, but for my little brother when our father passed away in 2002. He stepped in and did his best to teach us the lessons our father was able to teach us anymore. Joe loved his wife and kids. He showed grace under pressure and a faith that could inspire a nation. It was his genuine love for other that set him apart though. I know he had flaws, because he was human and we all have flaws. Joe's flaws, however, were minimized by his deep love for others especially to those on his swim team. He was never inappropriate, patient, kind, and encouraging. He was tough on you, but always pushing for you to achieve better for yourself. He gave you 100% on his focus when he was with you and asked that you do the same for him. Be present in all that you do and give it your all. Genuinely love and care for others.
Joe went to his Heavenly Father in October of 2008 and I know he is missed. He was loved by all whose lives he touched and has made better people because they knew him. They say that you touch 10,000 lives in a lifetime and Joe touched a great deal more. So thank you Joe for helping finishing teaching me to love like a man.

Who in you life has taught you how to be more than you are? To love others and spread hope?