Background

Lindsay Orr gets straight to the point in this week’s questions.  I met some time ago through a high school friend.  As time went on, Lindsay and I became mutual friends and spoke pretty intimately on male and Christianity topics.  Lindsay eventually introduced me to his best friend growing up, now my wife (and sang at our wedding).

Lindsay’s interview is below.  He accredits a lot of his strong manly values to his father (both of them–read the article and see what I mean).  Thanks for sharing your views Lindsay!  Readers, check out Mr. Orr’s music.  He’s the next Kirk Franklin/Musiq artist.

Interview

Where are you from?  Where do you live now?  Why the move?

I was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio.  I relocated to New York City for the past two years to go on tour with a college buddy.  Unfortunately, my mother became ill so I moved back home to tend to that situation.

Define manhood.

When I think about manhood, my definition would be “the point where a man puts childish things away and starts on a journey of transitional growth through and to adulthood.”  What I mean is that to successfully be ordained into manhood, one must transition in total growth; growing physically, emotionally, spiritually, in maturity and in responsibility.  Manhood is the result of this growth.  Manhood is not just a status, it’s an awakening.

How is manhood portrayed positively in your life? A mentor, father, grandpa, etc.

My parents have been married for 33 years.  Through that time, my parents have successfully raised three grown men that are leading very different lives.  But, through my brothers and my life, my father has shown us what manhood is all about.  Thirty-three years is a long time, and I’ve seen it all between my parents.  My father has had struggles, good and bad times, but he has taught all of us that manhood creates a loving husband, great father, a responsible man, a hard worker, and a lover of Christ.  Now, my father didn’t do everything right, but, it was through his mistakes that showed us what being a man was all about.  There have been other men that have imparted spiritual awareness through out my journey and for that I’m grateful.

How do you exemplify positive manhood toward the next generation?

Because so many men have shown me what is takes to be great men of valor, respect and honor, I believe it’s my duty to pass on that knowledge to the next generation.  I volunteer my time mentoring young men and women alike in the field of music and everyday life.

How do you exemplify positive manhood with your peers?

I strive to live a righteous life and let my light from my life shine to be the testimony of the grace and goodness of God.