Creating a Hero Part 4 - Man of Steel and Velvet

by Elva Cobb Martin

If you missed Part 1-3, click here:
http://bit.ly/2IDQ5hY

My definition of  a man of steel and velvet is one who may have great physical and mental attributes, but who also has received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. And everything in his life is influenced by this relationship and his love for God's Word.

William Wilberforce (played by Ioan Gruffudd in the movie, Amazing Grace) was a definitive man "of steel and velvet."
This one man's passion and perseverance changed the world. His courageous quest ended the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade in the British Empire in May, 1807, in England, and in the U.S. in January, 1808. (Then our Civil War followed in 1861 to bring freedom to the slaves already here.)


Our Bible has several heroes who might fit this bill. Some of my favorites are Joseph, Gideon, and a lesser known one, warrior Jephthal, who was born of a prostitute and turned out of the family by his half siblings. But in war they ended up begging him to return to lead them in battle. His prayers for God's guidance are recorded in Judges 11-12.

Aubrey Andelin authored the book, Man of Steel and Velvet. He lists six qualities of steel and six velvet qualities of men. Find it on Amazon here https://amzn.to/2jObsyV

These 12 characteristics are great to consider when building our memorable heroes.

Steel Qualities

• Guide, protector, provider
• Builder of society
• Masculinity
• Character
• Confidence
• Health

Andelin says the steel side of a man makes women and children feel secure.

Arouses admiration of all. Makes a woman feel womanly.

Velvet Qualities

• Understands women
• Gentleness
• Attentiveness
• Youthfulness
• Humility
• Refinement

The author says the velvet side of a man promotes good human relations among people and awakens love in women and children.

I believe only a man who has chosen to be led by God's Holy Spirit can hope to excel in these characteristics.

Our culture vitally needs to be reminded of these qualities as some  increasingly work to erase man's masculinity, blur the roles of men and women, and redefine the family.

Who is your definitive "man of steel and velvet?" History, movies, and novels evidence quite a few. Some of us even have the great pleasure of being married to one. ( :

Thanks for stopping by. Have a blessed Mothers' Day, all you dear mothers and grandmothers.

Here's a pic of one man of steel and velvet--and a little "steel and velvet" growing up. (Our  Christian law officer son and grandson we'll be seeing this weekend.)

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Elva Cobb Martin is vice-president of the South Carolina Chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is a former school teacher and a graduate of Anderson University and Erskine College. She has two inspirational novels published with Lighthouse Publishers of the Carolinas. Summer of Deception, a contemporary romantic suspense, and an historical romance, In a Pirate’s Debt. Both have spent time on Amazon’s 100 Best Sellers List for Women’s Religious Fiction. Decision, Charisma, and Home Life have carried Elva's articles. Jim Hart of Hartline Literary represents her. She and her husband Dwayne are semi-retired ministers. A mother and grandmother, Elva lives in South Carolina. Connect with her on her web site http://www.elvamartin.com,on Twitter www.twitter.com/ElvaCobbMartin; Facebook http://www.facebook.com/elvacobbmartin;  and Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/elvacobbmartin

 Link to her romance novels and non-fiction works on Amazon:http://amzn.to/2pOgVHI