Are You A "Real Man"?

What is a "real man"?
According to American society, modern men are not to be vulnerable in any way. It is considered weak to say, "I don't know" or "I'm sorry" or "I'm afraid" or "I need help" or "I was wrong". Don't even think of shedding a tear. We have to be strong and tough. Never show a sign of vulnerability or you're masculinity will be questioned. "Real men" are to pursue power and money. When men gain power and money all other traits of the "real man" follow. Materialism (the finest crib in the finest neighborhood, the sweet ride, the fine threads) Image is everything. Strong, in control, without a weakness. Proud, secure and of course admired by multitudes of beautiful women. That is how I see a "real man" portrayed in the world I live in. I'm bombarded with it everywhere I look. (billboards, magazines, TV, internet)

Jesus seemed to have a different opinion.
In Luke 7:28 Jesus says, "I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John" There are many traits that I think classify John as a real man.
1) His humility. John 1:27 "He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie." John considered himself unworthy of even being a slave for Jesus although he had a great following and was chosen to prepare the way for him. John understood who he was and who Christ is.
2) His simplicity. Mark 1:6 John wore clothing made of camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. Won't find that on the cover of GQ. I haven't ran across THAT entree ever!
3) His leadership and ministry. Mark 1:4-5 And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. He is obviously a great leader because he had many followers. I know of no greater ministry than teaching and preaching salvation through Jesus Christ.
4) His courage. Matthew 3:7-10 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was was baptizing, he said to them: "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not think you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire." Clearly outnumbered he laid it on the line to two very powerful and influentual groups.
5) His vulnerability. John 3:30 He must become greater; I must become less. Here I think John shows his vulnerability in his honesty and humility. It all comes full circle. Others were following him and now Jesus had come and John's job was nearing completion. Honestly and publicly he says it is through Jesus you have eternal life. John was to start, Jesus was to finish.

Quite a contrast.
Where do you find yourself?

Either way I feel I fall miserably short of a "real man".

I say, "I don't know", "I'm sorry", "I'm afraid", "I need help"and "I was wrong" more often than many men I know. I've been known to shed a tear. I like to think I'm strong and tough.(Just don't show me the needle.) I don't pursue power or money unless we're playing Risk or Monopoly. I have a nice house in a safe neighborhood. I drive a '97 Acura Integra with 212,000 miles and I own 1 off the rack suit. I have my weaknesses. I still have too much pride but I still have my insecurities. I have 1 beautiful woman who likes to hang with me. Not quite the "real man" by the world's standards. I'm okay with all that. (not the pride)
I like to think I live a simple life.(Just the basics in about every area of my life) I'm getting better at being vulnerable. (you have to be if you want to give and recieve love) Never was the meek type so the courage thing isn't much of a struggle. (If God is for me who can be against me) God knows my desire to be a leader and to be doing his ministry. God continues to humble me although I do a great job of it myself. I'm a work in progress. God is sure to finish the work he started.(Phil. 1:6) I don't quite meet the standards of John the Baptist but I am pursuing the One who came after him. For now I will consider myself in all humility, a "God's man"............. A "real God's man".