A Challenge To Real Men For Father's Day

Without getting into too much detail, I just finished watching the movie, Courageous. The first thought that came to my mind was: "I have a lot of work to do." I know in my heart I am a good husband, and provider. But…THIS IS NOT ENOUGH. I have to show courage to the children, continue to be a good and positive impact in their lives. I have to come to terms with some things that I know could make my witness ineffective.

The movie was dead on when it talks about the young men walking in darkness. Jim’s opinion: It is NOT their fault. I cannot speak for the world, or this country. However, I can speak about what I see and know about Prince William County. We have such a high rate of young men who do not know who they are, no sense of self, and doing/acting in a manner that is not showing honor, and not pleasing to Christ. This simply is not right.

It’s because we have men, who are abandoning these young men. These young men do not have the proper guidance, and are not taught how to do the right things. They are so desperate to find their value, and place in this world, that they will do almost anything to gain acceptance, and find their value. For example: They will find it in the media, and have a false sense that what they see in television, what they listen to on the radio, clothing, ect. They think this is a man. They think this is real life. Getting involved in illegal activities, Disrespecting authority, treating people in a discourteous fashion, and bringing shame on their family name.

We are some weak men in Prince William County, who appear to be focused on the wrong things. I am a firm believer of taking care of house, home, family and build a secure quality of life for my family. But somewhere along the way, we forgot what should be the main thing, or main focus. What should be our main focus: Bringing our young men along, and rearing them into Godly men. At times I have felt like as long as I don’t rock the boat, everything is OK. I too am guilty of this. I have felt as long as it does not affect my comfort zone.

I have been, “pruned” to understand God is not interested in my comfort zone/level. The term, “it all starts at the top” is applicable here. It is time for me, you, all of us to stop calling ourselves Fathers, and act like it. We can all wear the badge, and carry the title. But, if we are not standing in the trenches, and doing the work, it does not amount to much. We have to get back the Godly principles that are CLEARLY stated in the Bible. If it means gathering together as men, (those that are serious about this) and taking what we have learned, and putting it into practice, so be it! If it means taking it into our homes, neighborhoods, and communities, and putting this into practice, so be it!

Looking at my words, it seems this is easy to say it all. However, I know it will be difficult to actually do this. People may look at you as that Bible thumper, noisy neighbor, or things I will not glorify by putting in my statement. But I ask you to consider this: Christ hung bled, and died on the cross for all men. The saved & unsaved. If He can do this for us, do our young men and families deserve less? Don’t you think it is worth it to deal with getting possibly dissed, mocked, and cursed? Christ did. But look at the other side of that coin. What if someone heard what you said? (The believer and unbeliever) And lives are changed forever.

I am sure some will read this, and think this is too heavy for me. Or simply gloss over it, missing the point. I say this: The Gospel came long before you & I ever existed. It came to disturb, and shake people to their very core. If this has shaken you, I believe you (and me) are ready to make a change for the better for our families, and beyond the walls of our homes.
I hope this makes sense to you.