(THE BEST PRESENT YOU CAN FIND UNDER YOUR TREE THIS CHRISTMAS)
As a Dad and a busy one at that...I have a feeling of mixed compulsion and guilt writing this blog... but none the less I think that this should stir some thinking.Is it possible that the generation next (...that is so desperately searching for meaning and authentic spirit life...) is in that search primarily because the life bringer has not brought life. No I'm not talking about God...but rather his reflection here on earth. Good old Dad!
Dads have the ominous task to be the living breathing earth bound example of the heart of the Father God. Therefore if they are absent or MIA the consequences for an entire generation will be a loss of meaning in the heart of the culture and the heart of the family.
It is said that the average 6 year old will have already spent more time watching TV then they will spend talking with their father in their entire life.
IN THEIR ENTIRE LIFE!
How can a generation have the foggiest idea what loving God and being loved by God is like if their view of masculinity is so baddly marred. Is it possible that the culture war that is being waged for this generation is simply a battle for the hearts, passions and integrity of men?
Albert Einstein said, "The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing." Or as Edmund Burke said, "All that is necessary for evil to succeed is that good men do nothing."
I'm becoming more and more convinced as I talk to this culture and listen to their hearts that there is a cry for authenitic men...yet when they step up to the plate the criticism that the media throws at them for being men reduces them back to the shadows. FIND ME AN AUTHENTIC DAD... WHO LOVES, DISCIPLINES AND GUIDES THEIR KIDS IN THE MEDIA ANYWHERE... I CAN'T.
When asked, in a recent poll...most youth and young adults claim their example of a authenitic dad is Ozzy Osbourne...Lord help us.
Is it possible that this reformation that is occuring within the church is simply a search for Dad.
Comments?
8 comments:
NAILED IT!
2 different but interconnected issues here. (1) The lack of a good father figure, and (2) The subsequent lack of an idea of what a man is to be like!
This may be the creative opening needed to bridge the generations in church. Godly men wiling to mentor!!!
When's the next fishing trip!? Maybe your Young Adult pastor can work on that one.
Buddy...
If there is fishing...I'M IN!!!
A young boy from the New York projects (ghetto) was quoted as saying to Mother Teresa, "why is it that the prayer is for the Prodigal Son, in this hood we need to pray for the Prodigal Father" ( yes I know they are both sons in the literal sense). Just another statement indicative of the times we live in.
Is the ever changing role of the woman a factor in the lack of clear identity with men Christian or other wise?
Good question Aylynn...anyone have any thoughts on that?
I think its a good question to ask ...
What is a Father?
1 Cor 4:15 "Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel."
Without understanding what a Father is [or isn't] we have a huge chasm to cross to help generations understand Fatherhood.
without a Father ... there are unrealistic expectations and idealistic images as to what a Father is? Tough Problem
"Godly men wiling to mentor!" I like that Rob. It does not limit those who are Dad's to mentor. Single men can mentor as well. The key word being, "willing".
Are you willing? Better question, am I willing?
me being a single mother of a 3 year old and having her father not being an active part. she constantly cries out for her dad. how do you tell a 3 yr old that her father choosed not to be there?...you cant it hurts but you know that threw the grace of god there will be some one willing to step up and be an active male role model for her and im glad that i have the friends ive made to be there with her. when she needs the male embrace. i thank god for the way that males in my life are an excellent role model for her. and continue to shine and give her the compassion her father should be giving her. but is not. so i know how fathers could be more of an active role.. in there childrens lives .. i plead to you all.. be there for your children even when you are busy. let them know that they can phone you at anytime of the day they could come and interupt you if need be. dont let your children cry out for their dads like mine does.
~from my heart to yours. let the voice of god be heard. and move threw us like a mighty river~
Rose...
I could not have said it better myself.
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