chivalry is not dead

For all you haters out there: Chivalry is not dead. There are, in fact, young men out there longing to honor and respect women. I just talked to a couple of them.

Some of our students stopped by the office this afternoon to hang out. As conversations with young men this age are wont to do, the topic turned to relationships. It's a common topic around here; a female student recently passed along to me an article on gender roles, which has also inspired some good conversations. Our guys especially are so tender-hearted, so intentional. They want to do right by the women in their lives - you can see it in their eyes and in the way they ask their questions. It's absolutely heartwarming.

One asked what it looks like to lead spiritually in a relationship. Another wondered about asking for permission to date a girl from her father. They want to be respectful. They want to be chivalrous.

As a woman, it's encouraging to hear their questions and thoughts. I feel like some might grow discouraged by the stereotypes of our generation. Of men who use and abuse, who physically or emotionally exploit, who won't commit. But these young men are a different kind, and will likely become absolutely standup men, husbands, and fathers of honor someday. How refreshing!

As their sister in Christ, and something of a spiritual mentor/encourager, it was also a neat teaching moment to tell them of my own experiences with godly, chivalrous men. They were genuinely interested to learn what a God-honoring relationship actually looks like, how it's fleshed out; what a privilege to tell them of my own and what a blessing it's been.

To the young women I know, take heart. God is building up a generation of young men who are tender warriors, firm in their cause and resolute in their purpose. The question remains: are we a generation of women who can respond with gentleness and graciousness to the chivalry they offer?