Authentic Masculinity: Do Not Be Afraid to Love
Renowned Catholic speaker Jason Evert shares advice on how to be virtuous men in the modern world.
The Benson Arena was host to world renown speaker Jason Evert, who spoke to the entire student body in a special assembly before lunch. Mr. Evert’s talk centered on the themes of chastity, love, and dating in the modern world. Considering the subject material, there might be doubts that such a talk could hold the attention of 1,200 students right before lunch. However, as Mr. Evert lifted 6’ 3” senior Owen West onto his back and dangled the student over the edge of the stage, the entire audience was locked in.
Though his talk addressed many issue around the topic of love, Mr. Evert’s most powerful message was to not be afraid to love and to have relationships built on love. He encouraged the Jays to build strong friendships in high school that were centered on doing virtous activities and to stay strong in their faith. Mr. Evert was adamant that masculinity was not a problem, but that modern culture often tells men lies about what it truly means to be masculine. Strength, discipline, and courage are all good virtues and need to be channeled to a higher good.
Many students were inspired by his message of hope and trust in God’s plan for them, for their vocation, and the love good men can bring to the world. One of the most powerful storeis that Mr. Evert spoke about was his relationship with his wife, Crystal. Both he and his wife started thinking and praying for their future spouses, even before they had met. Mr. Evert encouraged the students to start praying for their future spouse and trust in God’s plan.
A final highlight of the talk came when Mr. Evert gave the student body advice on how to properly ask and take a girl on a date. He suggested that going to the movies on the first date was not a good idea, but rather suggested some activity where you could talk your date and get to know one another better. Additionally, he suggested that when you go to a restaurant to pick your dates seat. However, this advice was not meant as a way to “control” your date; but rather, to show her honor by picking the better seat for her - the one that shows you are focused on her and not the TV.
Mr. Evert concluded the talk by giving away his books for free. The Jays were excited about the books that supplies ran out and more were ordered the week after the event.