At the time I perceived most religious men, particularly the

Hear the reflective words of Luke Ford, who speaks of the narrow judgments of his youth: “At the time I perceived most religious men, particularly the pastors with all their talk of love, faith, and relationship, as effeminate.” These words are not only a confession of past thought but a window into the struggle of understanding the true nature of spiritual strength. They reveal how the outer appearance of gentleness can be mistaken for weakness by those who have not yet seen the power that lies within humility and compassion.

In the ancient world, strength was often measured by the sword, the throne, or the roar of command. To speak of love, of faith, and of relationship was to speak in a language unseen by warriors and kings. Thus, many, like Ford in his youth, could perceive such men as lacking the fire of strength, seeing only softness where in truth there was resilience greater than steel. For the ways of the spirit are subtle, and their victories are fought in the unseen realms of the heart and mind.

The pastors, who shepherd souls, do not wage war with weapons, but with words of healing and truth. Their battles are against despair, hatred, and fear. To the untrained eye, their gentleness may appear effeminate, but this is a false judgment. True courage lies not in striking down enemies, but in lifting the fallen and enduring suffering for the sake of others. Theirs is a strength that does not boast, yet it endures when all other powers crumble.

Ford’s reflection teaches us the importance of growth in understanding. What he once saw as weakness, he later came to recognize as a different form of power. This journey mirrors the path of many who begin by misunderstanding the spiritual, only to later see its profound depth. The perception of others is shaped by one’s own heart, and as the heart matures, so too does the vision.

Let future generations remember this: never mistake gentleness for frailty, nor compassion for lack of courage. The words of love, faith, and relationship may seem quiet, but they hold the strength to heal nations and transform the world. True greatness is often hidden beneath the garments of humility, waiting for the eyes of wisdom to see it clearly.