Category Archives: Standard

The Standard #66

July 15, 2026 By in Standard Tags: , , , , , Leave a comment

Sometimes a gentleman will unexpectedly discover himself in an unfamiliar, perhaps unwelcoming environment. It is easier said than done, but do not burden yourself with debilitating worry. Undoubtedly, the immediate surroundings and circumstances present new challenges. Moreover, a gentleman’s growth and development may be temporarily stunted; you may have even regressed to some degree. Nevertheless, the gentleman retains the core qualities that define his character and resolve. To be certain, an unanticipated arrival of adverse conditions should never erase the blueprint responsible for personal prosperity and earned excellence. Smartly leaning into the attributes and purpose that guided you to success, trust, and you will flourish once again.

Pictured is a black-eyed Susan that I transplanted from my sister-in-law’s yard to my own. The first picture I snapped was shortly after planting. The voyage was quite rough for her; she was in bad shape. Nevertheless, with an attentive hand and measured care, she has been able to bounce back after a few short weeks. Black-eyed Susans are said to symbolize endurance and resilience. It can thrive in harsh soil, tolerate scorching heat, and resist early frost. You may find yourself in a new situation. You may find yourself weathering harsh new conditions. You may find yourself wilting under the weight of weariness and woe. However, your purpose calls upon you to survive, revive, and thrive in any environment. Never forget your identity. Never forget your foundation. Never forget your greatness.

The Standard #57

June 27, 2026 By in Standard Tags: , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

To be absolutely certain, with the steady passage of time, a gentleman will experience quiet periods of emotional and mental fatigue. His spirit will be disquieted. His mood will be wrought with irregular swings of melancholy and anxiety. Desperately he attempts to summon the requisite energy necessary for addressing the everyday grind of life. And to be sure, without a doubt, life will present an array of adversity that will whittle away your spirit – if allowed. Please understand, you do not exist on an island despite your current circumstances appearing that way. Trust and believe, your current tribulations are another individual’s testimony. You will make it through your time of distress. Because, despite what feels insurmountable, you possess the resolute will and strength to prevail.

Romans 8:28 states, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him; who have been called according to his purpose.” All things – even the most painful ones. And so, faith must dictate that even the most distressing circumstances must be molded to achieve a greater good aligned with His word. I won’t lie to you; it is challenging and I struggle daily. Nevertheless, today, I encourage and challenge you to seek assistance from professionals that are trained to address mental wellness. If you are reading this and you feel trapped in an uncomfortable mental, emotional space; I am with you. If you notice, I have not posted material here since November 2020. We all find ourselves in a rut. I am not immune. However, every earnest attempt must be made to escape the seemingly perpetual prison of pain that binds us. And escape we will – together.

The Standard #65

May 28, 2026 By in Standard Tags: , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

A wise gentleman fully understands that success is not precipitated by large, unrealistic swings at achieving desired goals. In reality, rather, the process can be an unexciting and laborious journey. He will face a myriad of challenges and failures that will steel his resolve. Therefore, an intelligent gentleman understands that success owes a portion of its existence to winning on the margins. He recognizes that small, deliberate, and incremental action can result in overall positive outcomes. Do not be mistaken, the small wins definitely count. The value of each peripheral win elicits meaningful reflection and deep gratitude. The gentleman understands that life’s bigger picture is a portrait painted with pain, purpose, and prosperity. Celebrate the small victories because victory is still in fact – victory.

The Standard #58

April 17, 2026 By in Standard Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

To be absolutely clear, a hardworking gentleman understands the meaning and value of his tireless labor. And to be absolutely sure, the reality of fatherhood only heightens said understanding. Trust, this gentleman maintains a deep, fundamental comprehension of provision and the significance of being a contributor. And so, when seasons of life are absent peace or joy – perhaps both; it is not uncommon for him to lean heavily into his work; a passionate attempt to seek refuge and fulfillment by claiming, reasserting his own value to himself. Work is transformed into an instrument that exerts authority over one’s mental and emotional well-being.

It is a blunt tool utilized to manage anxiety, stress, insecurity, and pain. He accepts the incredible burden of arduous work to unburden himself of heavier burdens – both emotional and mental. However, whatever accomplishments that are attained, the satisfaction is never truly satisfying. Frantic attempts for relief only lead deeper into work. The wise gentleman must conclude that work does not inherently grant him value. Rather, it is he that affords value to his work, to his friends, to his family, and to himself. So, if no one tells you today (and demonstrate through their actions); I am here to convey on behalf of countless gentlemen such as yourself; you are recognized, appreciated, respected, and loved.

The Standard #64

April 5, 2026 By in Standard Tags: , , , , , , Leave a comment

To be fully invested in his mental health and well-being, a gentleman must realize that he must unabashedly advocate for himself. He must be unapologetic. Regarding his wellness, his advocacy demands an unashamed, firm defense that does not waver in the face of criticism, societal pressure, or social stigmas. Prioritizing oneself does not require an explanation, guilt, or regret. However, it does demand respect. It is not a respect dependent on the whims of others; rather, a gentleman must demand respect of himself. It is pertinent that a gentleman recognizes the importance of his time and availability. He must not allow the wickedness of the world to foster unfamiliar dissonance within his mind, body, and spirit. Being mindful of not overextending himself, a gentleman protects internal resources from the threat of compromise and depletion.

Are you feeling exceedingly overwhelmed, hopelessly exhausted, disappointingly defeated, and frighteningly irritable? Perhaps it is time to step back from the deafening noise of life and prioritize your well-being. It is time for a much-needed reset. It is time for a well-deserved refresh. It is time to replenish the cup that you so readily pour into others. What that looks like depends on the individual. Personally, that may involve a quiet walk alone throughout the neighborhood. It may involve stepping back from projects that are more burdensome than supporting professional and personal growth. It could be taking earned paid time off just to actually sleep, catch up on a favorite show in peace, and complete some personal tasks that actually bring personal joy & fulfillment. And it could just be saying no. No, because today, I choose myself. You owe yourself. Choose yourself today.

The Standard #56

March 20, 2026 By in Standard Tags: , , , Leave a comment

To be absolutely clear, representation is vitally important to a population of people conditioned to marginalization and abandonment. Trust, one must not underestimate the weighty emotional and psychological impact that representation achieves. The visual affirmation symbolizes the audacity of possibility; it molds and breathes life into unbounded imagination. The reflection of greatness can sow seeds of future greatness. And as pride fills long neglected spaces belonging to confidence and self-esteem, the resulting inspiration fuels the desire to want and become more – more than the forsaken environment that continually threatens to suppress and suffocate the life of aspirational dreams. Symbols matter. Role models matter. Representation matters. And so I state to you, no matter how big or small, it is incumbent that you be what the youth need to see. Your life, your testimony can unbind restraints that shackle the potential for success and achievement.

The Standard #63

March 4, 2026 By in Standard Tags: , , , , , , Leave a comment

The realm needs good men. To be certain, we exist in a truly perplexing timeline, if not an outright frightening one. It is a timeline breached by an incursion of indomitable ignorance, injustice, and immorality. And increasingly, we are being challenged to discern between right and wrong. Moreover, that subjective concept is obscured beneath an ominous overcast of situational shades of gray. Nevertheless, hopefully, we can discern the differences between the two – no matter how curiously complicated a situation may present. Yet I am fearful that discernment does not necessarily equate to a leaning towards what is right. The current climate of the world just feels woefully wrong. Therefore, the realm needs good men to uphold what is undoubtedly right.

What is right is what many proclaim to treasure: honor, justice, charity, grace, and courage. Make no mistake, we wholly comprehend good and evil. So, it is quite bewildering that we weep for fallen, fictional characters on television that uphold those principled values, yet close those very eyes to real-life injustice, dishonesty, depravity, and corrupted ethics. We have lost the plot. We are far off script. And perhaps rooting for a righteous fictional character makes people feel a little better in a real world where inherent selfishness, prejudice, and hate trump what we understand to be good. So, I present a challenge to the reader. May your voice be used to encourage and uplift – not vilify. May your actions protect the marginalized, underserved, and disadvantaged amongst us. And may you fulfill these responsibilities with a humble, humane, and honorable heart. We desperately need more good men…like you.

The Standard #61

February 10, 2026 By in Standard Tags: , , , , , Leave a comment

To be sure, for individuals with a heightened degree of mental acuity, one can risk leaning too heavily into one’s intelligence, much to the detriment of reason and logic. Now, there are particular circumstances that occur in life that elicit such a passionate exercise. And trust, I wholeheartedly understand the passion that can be evoked toward an intimately held belief or idea. For certain, it is passion that propels purpose and progress. Nevertheless, absent restraint, passion can pervert principle. Passion can propagate pain. And passion can prop up perplexing political partitions. Sometimes, if you can humor me, some subject matter need not be overly thought and unnecessarily complicated. Some things are as simple as they present themselves.

However, some people possess an insatiable appetite to expertly weave arguments to either explain the unexplainable or ignore the explainable altogether. So, what you have is an intellectual exhibitionist ready to expose their intelligence for all to see, solely for the purpose of self-gratification and self-affirmation. It’s not that complicated. Sometimes the subject matter boils down to key core values: integrity, honesty, accountability, responsibility, dignity, and character. Because, for all the bluster and grandstanding, a reprobate ideology should not trump morality and ethics. Is this not what we demand of our children? It’s not that complicated. Believe me, I understand the disappointment and despair. However, those feelings can yield discontent and disillusionment. And in turn, we gravitate towards something we know in our soul is wrong.

Now, you may have read the following statement before here on this blog, but I believe it bears repeating, albeit with a remix. We can disagree without being disagreeable, however, common ground should not be so uncommon, as I truly believe it is achievable. Diatribes disguised as smart discourse are disingenuous and should be definitively dispelled. In this shared experience of life, we are called upon to select imperfect vessels to carry our hopes and beliefs to a preferred destination for a greater good. Sometimes the passage is rocky and turbulent. Sometimes we momentarily stray off course. And sometimes the destination is so far that the eye can barely see it. Alas, we dutifully stay the course. However, when we knowingly select a vessel fraught with moral dilapidation, and its integrity is compromised by ethical decay, the depths that we sink will be of our own choosing.

The Standard #62

January 14, 2026 By in Standard Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

A concerned observation from a regular gentleman: An alarming number of modern men are afflicted with an impotence of integrity, intelligence, courage, and decency. And in a desperate measure to address said deficiencies, men have turned to an addictive narcotic, hoping to stimulate and erect their seemingly flaccid manhood – power. Utilized to advance the common good for society, power can be an invaluable tool wielded by the correct individual. However, power contained within the cold, calculating clasp of the callous can lead to calamitous consequences. Without question power is responsibility. Luke 12:48 states, “But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.” As men, much is required, and we must govern ourselves accordingly.

And so, I offer an unequivocal, unapologetic opinion: There are too many men entrusted with power that are not responsible. Trafficking tension and weaponizing woe for personal profit, they cleverly utilize influence to intoxicate the masses. Beware of madness, mediocrity, and misogyny masquerading beneath a makeshift mask of masculinity. Do not be seduced by the sounds of melodic misinformation. And train one’s eyes and ears to identify empty bluster in a frail attempt to slyly conceal cowardice. For fear is an instrument wielded by individuals endowed with ineptitude and engulfed with insecurity. To be certain, a righteous gentleman will stand ten toes down on principles that are sound. A righteous gentleman understands that his masculinity is grounded in truth, dignity, honor, and respect. His strength is divinely designed to serve society and its people, as there is providential power in his purpose. I pray that you are living in your power to add virtue, morality, and goodness to this shared experience we call life.

The Standard #61

July 28, 2025 By in Standard Tags: , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

To be certain, the respectable gentleman embraces a core principle of accountability. Now, when defining accountability, we understand it to be ownership of one’s actions and its subsequent outcomes whether it is positive or negative. Moreover, we understand that it is easier to embrace positive outcomes; those are of course more rewarding. However, unfavorable consequences challenge a gentleman to address his imperfections, failures, and transgressions. The exercise can be profoundly uncomfortable, yet it is an exercise that must be performed, nonetheless. Fleeing accountability is not some newfangled, novel notion of neglect. However, it seems as if individuals are currently abdicating responsibility at a breakneck pace. When dealing with transgressions, an essential component of accountability is acknowledging one’s role in the matter and learning from it. However, wisdom and knowledge cannot be gleaned from a lesson if the student skips the test. For the constitution of his character is clearly conveyed through a crucible of courage confessing culpability and contrition. A gentleman does not project anger, redirect faults, or offer empty excuses for his conduct. A gentleman’s objective is clear: admission, apology, and assiduous atonement. Adopt those standards to become a better gentleman, and moreover, a better human being.

The Standard #29

June 13, 2025 By in Standard Tags: , , , , , Leave a comment

Humility. The intentional act of possessing a modest opinion of one’s importance and practicing an honest self-awareness of one’s abilities. The gentleman understands the complexities of life and accepts the reality that other individuals may excel in areas he may not. Humility also demands a quiet acknowledgement of one’s strengths while resisting the desire to judge, belittle, or disparage others. To be sure, humility demands thought and responsibility. A gentleman should not be influenced by the wayward musings of individuals intoxicated by the arrogance of their own ignorance. So enamored by their perceived greatness; said individuals cannot fathom or recognize the potential shortcomings of self.

However, in the governance of life, a gentleman must be cognizant of faults and limitations. And there is absolutely no shame in that. One must understand that embracing humility does not make one weak. On the contrary, humility projects a quiet and admirable strength. It is the resolute confidence of oneself absent vanity that keeps you grounded. It keeps you focused on the more important things in life, and not a preoccupation with self-aggrandizement. The folly of arrogance is an exercise for fools. Just keep living and life will eventually happen to you. And life can be the greatest administrator of humility. Recognize your position in life, and even if your station ranks well above others, discipline yourself in humility. A humble gentleman is a paragon of inspiration, encouragement, and is wholly faithful to serving his fellow man.

The Standard #61

September 8, 2024 By in Black Thought, Standard Tags: , , , , Leave a comment

Mountain

To be sure, for individuals with a heightened degree of mental acuity, one can risk leaning too heavily into one’s intelligence, much to the detriment of reason and logic. Now, there are particular circumstances that occur in life that elicit such a passionate exercise. And trust, I wholeheartedly understand the passion that can be evoked toward an intimately held belief or idea. For certain, it is passion that propels purpose and progress. Nevertheless, absent restraint, passion can pervert principle. Passion can propagate pain. And passion can prop up perplexing political partitions. Sometimes, if you can humor me, some subject matter need not be overly thought and unnecessarily complicated. Some things are as simple as they present themselves.

However, some people possess an insatiable appetite to expertly weave arguments to either explain the unexplainable or ignore the explainable altogether. So, what you have is an intellectual exhibitionist ready to expose their intelligence for all to see, solely for the purpose of self-gratification and self-affirmation. It’s not that complicated. Sometimes the subject matter boils down to key core values: integrity, honesty, accountability, responsibility, dignity, and character. Because, for all the bluster and grandstanding, a reprobate ideology should not trump morality and ethics. Is this not what we demand of our children? It’s not that complicated. Believe me, I understand the disappointment and despair. However, those feelings can yield discontent and disillusionment. And in turn, we gravitate towards something we know in our soul is wrong.

Now, you may have read the following statement before here on this blog, but I believe it bears repeating, albeit with a remix. We can disagree without being disagreeable, however, common ground should not be so uncommon, as I truly believe it is achievable. Diatribes disguised as smart discourse are disingenuous and should be definitively dispelled. In this shared experience of life, we are called upon to select imperfect vessels to carry our hopes and beliefs to a preferred destination for a greater good. Sometimes the passage is rocky and turbulent. Sometimes we momentarily stray off course. And sometimes the destination is so far that the eye can barely see it. Alas, we dutifully stay the course. However, when we knowingly select a vessel fraught with moral dilapidation, and its integrity is compromised by ethical decay, the depths that we sink will be of our own choosing.

The Standard #3

November 18, 2023 By in Standard Tags: , , , Leave a comment

Mountain

The knowledgeable gentleman comprehends that his image does not begin with how society views him. Rather, the gentleman’s image begins with how he sees himself. He alone determines and dictates the manner in which he is presented to the world. When he gazes into the mirror, the reflection of greatness should readily greet him. It does not begin with the clothing he chooses to attire himself in, nor the vehicle he selects to navigate city streets. Not the place of employment where he makes a living. Not the amount of money presently residing in his bank account. Why? Well, because character starts with his self-worth. His esteem is not erected upon a mountain of biodegradable materialism – subject to decay and waste. No, the gentleman’s image is based on gentlemanly fundamentals that are concrete and certain. Virtue. Honor. Principle. Forthrightness. The Gentlemen’s Standard.

The Standard #60

October 21, 2023 By in Standard Tags: , , , , , , , Leave a comment

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On the arduous, sometimes uneven path of a gentleman’s life, it is paramount to remain firmly grounded in gratitude. Trust and truly believe: Tribulation must be tempered by sincere thankfulness. Afterall, life’s journey can be wrought with pain, sadness, and an uncertainty that can methodically erode one’s spirit – if one’s fortitude lacks the necessary strength to allow it. Now, it is important to be mindful that during this continuous journey, a gentleman’s thoughts become a loyal, steadfast companion. And when adversity wounds the spirit, those thoughts stubbornly can bind to mental and emotional hurt. It is an unhealthy marriage of pain and familiarity.

Because, when hurt is intense and intimate, sometimes we subconsciously cling to events that aggrieve us the most. It is a perplexing, discomforting comfort. However, preoccupation with past pain can prohibit a productive future and preclude a pleasing present. Life is too important, too deceivingly fleeting to sacrifice energy on the altar of regret and woe. The blessings of today beg much-required attention. Today, compile a list of things/events that require praise and thanks. And so, when life presents challenges or your thoughts drift away to revisit sadness, refer to your list to offer levity, clarity, and balance. Lift up your heart with graciousness and celebrate the life you deserve.

The Standard #21

May 3, 2023 By in Standard Tags: , , Leave a comment

The Obamas

The gentleman should never underestimate the magnitude of a cheerful, happy disposition-especially when that attitude is displayed towards his children. Sure, discipline is a vital function required to raise children. However, the totality of child rearing must be equal parts discipline and equal parts love. He cannot levy seventy-five percent discipline and only twenty-five percent love. And that discipline cannot be driven by anger. That would be unwise. Listen, a gentleman cannot walk around with a scowl etched on a rigid face of granite all the time. Smile. Laugh. Sing. As a father, it is incumbent that he sets the appropriate tone and atmosphere for his household. Children need to witness him being more than that guy who trudges to and from work.

Tired. Irritable. Unhappy. Trust this: children are much more perceptive than you award credit, and they absorb the negatively charged climate that you have helped create. Stop. The time has arrived for you to glide through the door and welcome your family with a fresh, joyous attitude. They deserve it. You deserve it. Will it be like that every day? Probably not. Nevertheless, trust that your efforts will not give audience to blind eye. Your children will definitely notice, and they will love you even more. Doesn’t it feel fantastic?