Teddy Roosevelt sat by the fire, his laughter rolling through the night like thunder over the plains. He had spent the day riding hard, pushing through the wild terrain of North Dakota’s Badlands, his face windburned and his body weary. Yet here he was, eyes twinkling, regaling his companions with some wild tale—perhaps of a boxing match that left him half-blind, or the time he charged up San Juan Hill with bullets whizzing past his head.

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His joy was not naïve, nor was it a soft, fleeting thing. It came from a man who had fought battles—both in war and in life—and emerged not bitter, but burning with purpose. Roosevelt had buried loved ones, stood toe-to-toe with political giants, and survived an assassin’s bullet lodged in his chest. And still, he laughed. Not a shallow chuckle, but a full-bellied, fearless roar—the kind of laughter that said, I am alive, and nothing will steal my joy.

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This is the kind of strength that builds others up. The joy that comes not from ignorance of hardship, but from staring it down and choosing to keep going. The joy of a warrior, a leader, a man who knows that hope is worth sharing.

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Joy isn’t weakness. It isn’t soft. It’s the mark of a man who stands firm, rooted in something deeper than circumstances.

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What Does It Mean to Share Joy?

Sharing joy is about more than just smiling—it’s about presence, connection, and communicating, "I’m glad we’re in this together." It’s the hearty slap on the back, the knowing grin in the trenches, the way a father beams when his son takes his first step. It’s how we tell our families, friends, and brothers in Christ that they matter.

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This kind of joy isn’t surface-level. It’s not putting on a happy face or ignoring hardship. It’s the deep, resonant joy that says, "No matter what we face, we do not stand alone."

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Why Men Need to Share Joy

Too often, men are expected to be stone-faced, carrying burdens alone. Society tells us strength means stoicism—but strong men should seek to not only experience joy inwardly, but how to share their joy with others. Here’s why it matters:

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• Stronger Brotherhoods – A man who shares joy strengthens those around him. He makes his home, his church, and his friendships places of life and resilience.
• Mental Toughness – True strength isn’t about hiding emotions; it’s about channeling them into something life-giving. Joy gives men the ability to endure hardship without being crushed by it.
• Better Leadership – Men who inspire joy create loyalty. Whether at home, in business, or on the trail, a leader who brings energy and encouragement commands respect.

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Building the Habit of Joy

So how do you become a man who carries joy with him like a well-worn blade? Here are some practical steps:

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• Be Fully Present – Put down the phone. Look people in the eye. Let them know, "You have my attention, and I’m glad you’re here."
• Pray for Others – There’s something about continually petitioning God on another’s behalf that deepens your investment in that person and helps you recognize ways you can be there for them. 
• Encourage Boldly – Tell your sons, your brothers, and your friends what they mean to you. A few words of genuine affirmation can change a man’s path.
• Laugh Together – Whether around a campfire or a dinner table, find ways to enjoy life with the men in your circle. A shared laugh strengthens bonds more than a thousand words.
• Express Gratitude – Recognize God’s goodness in your life, and let others hear it. A grateful man is a man who lifts the room. If someone does something right, let them know! It will encourage them to keep it up. 
• Join a Band of Brothers – You can’t do this alone. Find a community that values joy and strength, where men push each other to be better.

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The "BeAlive!" Brotherhood

If you’re looking for a place to grow in this, the BeAlive! online small group is your next step. It’s a structured, intentional space where men sharpen each other, build the habit of sharing joy, and learn to lead with strength and resilience.

Why should you join?

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• Iron Sharpens Iron – Surround yourself with men who push you to be better.
• Practical Training – Learn to apply biblical principles of joy and strength in your daily life.
• A Place to Stand – In a world that isolates men, this is a space to build real, lasting connections.

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Take Action

Life is too short to walk alone, weighed down by burdens. Step into the strength of joy. Join the BeAlive! online small group and become the kind of man whose presence brings life to those around him.

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It’s time to take your stand.

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Sign up today.