“The lion rules over the pride, but the lioness trains the cubs so they can survive and develop into the leaders they are destined to be. She is a fierce warrior and defender of her cubs. She protects, nurtures, and produces the next generation of leaders in the pride.” Rites of Passage - Raising Sons to be Men of Standard
Rites of Passage
Why is Rites of Passage Necessary?
We have all kinds of ceremonies today, from weddings to graduations to memorials. In some ways, we function as a ritualistic society. People develop routines that may allow them to fall into the trap of going through the motions because ‘that’s what we do.’ If we get lost in the mundane, we can lose the significance of the moment.
Our time as parents goes by quickly, so we should be astute and recognize the value of special occasions that memorialize the milestones for our children. Time is a finite commodity, a precious gift and effective parenting helps us invest in the success of future generations.
What is a Rite of Passage Ceremony?
As a mother desiring to raise sons to be men of standard, Sonya began seeking a practical way to help young men mature into thriving adults. This journey provoked questions like:
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How does a boy know when he enters manhood?
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Who affirms and supports this transition from boy to man?
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How can he know the way unless someone teaches and guides him?
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What role does community, and society in general, play in this maturation process?
After thinking about these questions, she began asking adult males of varying ages, backgrounds, and ideologies one question about their transition into manhood. When did they recognize they had become a man? She discovered a common thread in their reactions - most men struggled to identify any defining moment in their transition to manhood, if they found one at all. This sobering realization compelled her do more for her sons, and other young men, to help them embrace their transition into manhood and she began with her family.
After being prompted to recognize her eldest son, Elijah, in a Rite of Passage ceremony she continued the journey. In concert with her husband, and a community of influential male leaders, her son was ushered into his next level of becoming with his younger brother watching in anticipation of his Rite of Passage.
The Rite of Passage ceremony is not a secret ingredient and it will not make young boys turn into men. It serves as a demarcation line for our sons to understand their identity, pursue maturity, and accept responsibility. It is a moment of divestiture for parents to pour into their children by imparting core values and communicating standards. Rite of Passage ceremonies are mile markers to display how far one has traveled and equip them for the journey ahead.
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