Written by: Gawie de Lange
Article source: JOY! Magazine

Not long ago, I shared a video on social media – a heartfelt message to men about hope and the battles we quietly face. I was stunned by the response. Hundreds of men reached out, vulnerable and searching for help. It was a sobering reminder of how deeply men are struggling, and how desperately the world needs Godly men to rise – men anchored in the truth of God’s Word.

A reduced roar
There’s a legend about male lions – the king of the jungle. It is said that when a male lion is sick or wounded, it stays back from the pride so as not to show weakness. It quietly slips away, finding solitude under a tree where it licks its wounds and allows time to heal. But when that lion returns, something has changed. It no longer roars like it once did. The powerful roar is reduced to low grunts – barely noticeable. But day by day, that lion builds strength, one grunt at a time, until finally, its roar returns. And with it, so does his place among the pride. Isn’t that the story of many men today?

Present but not powerful
We face trials, setbacks, and emotional blows – some visible, others handled in silence. But like that lion, we’ve been taught not to show weakness. “Be strong.” “Man up.” “Don’t cry.” So, we retreat. We isolate. We withdraw. We also heal – but quietly. And when we rejoin the world, we often feel like our roar is gone. We’re present, but not powerful. Engaged, but not confident. Surviving, but not leading.

When your roar is missing
The roar of a lion is a symbol of strength, presence, and identity. For us as men, our “roar” might be our voice, our sense of purpose, our leadership, our spiritual strength. When life hits us – through job loss, financial pressure, fatherhood fatigue, failed relationships, or the silent suffering of depression or anxiety – it can feel like we’ve lost that roar. But here’s the truth: your roar is not gone forever. It is being rebuilt. And that starts with the small grunts of spiritual discipline.

David’s roar returned
David, the warrior king of the Bible, knew both battlefields and brokenness. In Psalm 38:8, he wrote, “I am feeble and utterly crushed; I groan in anguish of heart.” This is the roar of a man in pain. Yet it is the same David who, after seasons of wilderness and restoration, would rise up with strength to lead his nation. Healing is not weakness – it’s preparation for your comeback. A mentor once said to me: “When you have a setback, don’t take a step back – God already planned your comeback.”

Small steps to restoration
Men, your restoration doesn’t just happen – it starts with small, intentional steps. Just like that lion lets out a series of grunts before it roars again, we too must start with small acts of faith and obedience. Romans 12:2 tells us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This renewal isn’t overnight – it’s a process.

1. Withdrawing isn’t failure – it’s wisdom
Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray (Luke 5:16). Sometimes stepping back is the best thing you can do. Start your day in the Word. Even five to ten minutes of Scripture and prayer can rewire your mindset.

2. Your silence is not your identity
You might feel like your roar is gone, but your value is not. Healing doesn’t silence your purpose – it strengthens it. Find your “tree”. Whether it’s a quiet space at home, a walk in nature, or a seat in church – create a regular place to reflect and recharge. “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness’” (2 Cor 12:9, NIV).

3. God still sees the lion in you
Even in your weakness, God sees your potential. He calls you not by your wounds, but by your destiny. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart…” (Jer 1:5).

The world needs your roar
Men, this Father’s Day, I want to remind you: your roar is not lost. It’s waiting. And through small steps, the Word, and His favour and grace, you will rise again. Your family needs your strength, and the world needs your roar.

This article is featured in the June issue of JOY! Magazine. Read a digital version of this magazine here: joygifts.co.za

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Date published: 10/06/2025
Gawie de Lange – general manager of JOY! Magazine. Email gawie@joymag.co.za
Feature image: Image for illustrative purposes only. Artwork from www.freepik.com

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