Almost Everything in Society Is Against Fatherhood

 NFL Player Turned Pastor: Almost Everything in Society Is Against Fatherhood

Unfortunately, rather than listening to Freddie Scott in the article at the link above, men and boys today are instead flooded with Hollywood's and pro-sports images of what today's "real men" are like. These are usually summed up in the following categories:

1. Selfish, spoiled, and womanizing 

2. Immature, lazy, and stupid

3. Effeminate, and/or gay. 

Freddie Scott hit the nail on the head with these quotes:

"We are facing some serious problems in our nation and if we do not take the appropriate steps we're going to continue to see this," said Scott.
"The term fatherless does not only refer to a child who does not have a father in the home," said Scott.
"Biblical fatherlessness also occurs when a man in the home does not meet the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of his children; by definition its being less than a father."

I sincerely fear for the future of our world if continue on this path. Pray for the success of ministries like Freddie Scott and that more men wake up and accept God's call for them to embrace true manliness and true fatherhood.

What is Happening to the Men in Our Society?

I want to bring three articles to you attention that focus on the disturbing decline of manly virtues and the role on men in our world and the negative consequences this is having on the family and society. Click on the links below to read these eye-opening pieces.

• When manly virtue died
• Why men are in trouble
• Should we be happy that nobody is dead?

The statistics from the articles above paint a bleak picture:

In 1970, men earned 60% of all college degrees. In 1980, the figure fell to 50%, by 2006 it was 43%. Women now surpass men in college degrees by almost three to two. Women's earnings grew 44% in real dollars from 1970 to 2007, compared with 6% growth for men.

Men are more distant from a family or their children then they have ever been. The out-of-wedlock birthrate is more than 40% in America. In 1960, only 11% of children in the U.S. lived apart from their fathers. In 2010, that share had risen to 27%. Men are also less religious than ever before. According to Gallup polling, 39% of men reported attending church regularly in 2010, compared to 47% of women.

Today, 18-to- 34-year-old men spend more time playing video games a day than 12-to- 17-year-old boys. While women are graduating college and finding good jobs, too many men are not going to work, not getting married and not raising families. Women are beginning to take the place of men in many ways. This has led some to ask: do we even need men?

With evidence like this, you can't help but ask the question, are men in our world going to wake up before its too late? Let's face facts here, families in our world are crumbling, marriage rates are falling while divorce still remains high. Our media is saturated with sex and pornography is everywhere. Crime and poverty continues to get worse, while the number of children in single parent homes or broken homes continues to increase. How much longer can we deny that Satan is attacking our families, especially God's appointed spiritual head of every household, the father? How much longer will our leaders and our society turn a blind eye to the real root of many of the problems we face, the attack on fatherhood and the deterioration of the family?

Courageous - The Movie

The video below is for the song Courageous by Casting Crowns, from the soundtrack to the movie Courageous. If you haven't seen this movie yet, then what are you waiting for? It was the top new movie in ticket sales on the opening weekend. But more importantly, it is challenging men to reexamine themselves as fathers, husbands, and men of God.

I've written enough here, now watch the video and then go see the movie!

Lyrics to Courageous by Casting Crowns:

We were made to be courageous
We were made to lead the way
We could be the generation
That finally breaks the chain
We were made to be courageous
We were made to be courageous

We were warriors on the front lines
Standing unafraid
But now we're watchers on the sidelines
While our families slip away

Where are you, men of courage?
You were made for so much more
Let the pounding of our hearts cry
We will serve the Lord

We were made to be courageous
And we're taking back the fight
We were made to be courageous
And it starts with us tonight

The only way we'll ever stand
Is on our knees with lifted hands
Make us courageous
Lord, make us courageous

Men and Faith: Expressing Male Spirituality

To all men, take a minute and watch the video below. Once you have finished, then share it with other men. This is a message that men near to hear. Once we wake up and realize what it truly means to be a real man then we can make a difference in this decaying culture.

This is an outstanding article by Fr. Roger Landry on the crisis of fatherhood in our society and how it impacts our relationship with God the Father. Please take a moment to read and reflect on this article.

Responding to the Crisis of Fatherhood

Today, Catholic Americans mark two celebrations: Holy Trinity Sunday and Father’s Day. The feast of the Holy Trinity is an occasion on which not only Catholics seek to deepen their appreciation of the mystery, and enter into the reality, of the communion of persons who is our Triune God. In particular, it’s a day on which normally special attention is given to God the Father, since on Pentecost we focus specifically on the Holy Spirit and throughout the year we normally concentrate on the life, words and works of Jesus. The Gospel reading the Church gives us this Sunday facilitates this focus on God the Father, because it shows how God the Father “so loved the world that he gave his only Son” (Jn 3:16).


This attention to the fatherhood of the first Person of the Blessed Trinity — especially on Father’s Day — is particularly timely and important. The future Pope Benedict, not one ordinarily prone to hyperbole, once said that this failure to see, appreciate and grasp the link between human paternity and the fatherhood of God is one of the greatest threats to the modern world.

“The crisis of fatherhood we are living today is an element, perhaps the most important, threatening man in his humanity,” Cardinal Ratzinger said in a remarkable March 15, 2000 speech at the Cathedral of Palermo, Sicily. The crisis of fatherhood facing modern society — a true “dissolution of fatherhood” — comes, he continued, from reducing paternity to a merely biological phenomenon, as an act of generation, sometimes even carried out in a laboratory, without its human and spiritual dimensions. That reduction not only leads to the “dissolution of what it means to be a son or a daughter,” but, on a spiritual plane, impedes our relationship to relate to God as he is and revealed himself. God, Cardinal Ratzinger stressed, “willed to manifest and describe himself as Father.” Human fatherhood provides us an analogy to understand the fatherhood of God, but “when human fatherhood has dissolved, all statements about God the Father are empty.” The crisis of fatherhood, therefore, leaves the human person confused about God and himself. That’s why, he argued, the crisis of paternity is perhaps the most important element threatening the human person and society.

Click here to read the rest of the article.

The Drama and the Dilemma of Fatherhood

The Drama and the Dilemma of Fatherhood

The link above is to a powerful article by Dr. Donald Demarco about the secular world's attack on fatherhood. Dr. Demarco, quoting statements from Pope John Paul II, discusses how the attempt to "abolish" fatherhood began in the Garden of Eden:

Toward the end of his international best-seller, Crossing the Threshold of Hope, Pope John Paul II makes the startling comment that original sin is, above all, an attempt “to abolish fatherhood”.  Tradition teaches that our primal parents’ first sin was one of disobedience and pride.  This is correct, but describes the disposition of Adam and Eve.  When we look at the object of their offense, God Himself, we see that their sin is against His Fatherhood.

According to the serpent, by abolishing fatherhood and the authority it contains, Adam and Eve would be free of all restrictions and become gods themselves.  Tradition also teaches that this Original Sin led directly to a Fall of catastrophic proportions.

The author goes on to discuss why it is crucial for men to strive to follow God's model of fatherhood, not only for the sake of their families, but for the good of society as well . This is a truly insightful article that is worth reading. Please read this and pass in on to others.

The Model of True Manhood

This is a continuation of the topic of my previous post, teaching our sons true manhood. When I was searching the internet for any other articles I could use in that previous posting, I came across the article St. Joseph and Manhood, from Msgr. Charles Pope of the Archdiocese of Washington. It focuses on what we as men can learn about manhood from one of the greatest examples ever in the Catholic church. Msgr. Pope describes how even though no words of St. Joseph are recorded in the Bible, his actions speak volumes on the role of fathers and husbands in the family.

The one point in the article that really stood out for me was about St. Joseph teaching us the difference between our vocation and our career. Too many of us forget that our vocations are our families and that takes priority over our careers. Here is an excerpt from Msgr. Pope on this topic:

A man whose vocation is more important than his career – In Bethlehem Joseph is warned by an angel in a dream: Get up, take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him (Matt 2:13). Joseph may well have had much to lose in this flight. Back in Nazareth he had a business, a career if you will. He had business prospects, business partners and contacts. Fleeing to a distant land might mean others would take his business etc. But Joseph was a father and husband before he was a businessman. His child was threatened and his first obligation was to Jesus and Mary. His vocation outweighed his career. In a culture like ours where too many parents make their careers and livelihoods paramount and their children are too easily placed in day care Joseph displays a different priority. It is true that many parents feel they have no choice but to work. But it is also true that many demand a lifestyle which requires a lot of extra income. Perhaps a smaller house, less amenities etc would permit a daycare free childhood for more of our children. Joseph points the way for parents: vocation has priority over career. For fathers especially Joseph shows that a man is a husband and father before he is a businessman. 

Please take the time to read  St. Joseph and Manhood, from Msgr. Charles Pope, as it include powerful lessons that we all can learn from this great saint. It also include two videos that provide more insights into the life of the protector of the Holy Family. St. Joseph pray for us!

Teaching Our Sons about True Manhood

I have a 3 year old son at home who has been very vocal lately about his desire to be a gentleman. It is very cute and endearing when he runs to open the car door for his mother or his sisters while exclaiming "Wait! I wanna do it! I wanna be a gentleman!"

Even though he sometimes chooses the wrong time to do this, my wife and I constantly remind ourselves not to discourage this behavior as there is a clear lack of gentlemanly virtue in the world today. I have to give my wife credit for this because whenever my son misbehaves, she uses it as an occasion to teach him that this is not how "mommy's little gentleman" should act.

This all brings me to a outstanding article that I received from All Pro Dad titled 10 Things to Teach Your Son About True Manhood. It is a list of 10 things we need to be teaching our sons so they learn what it is to be a true man. It lists qualities such as respect towards women, responsibility, and humility. Let's face facts, our sons aren't going to learn virtues and how to be gentleman from our culture. These were replaced long ago with greed, selfishness, and other deviant behaviors. It up to us as dads, especially Catholic dads, to swim against the tide and teach our sons what true manhood really means.

I thank God that my wife has been so consistent in teaching my son to be a gentleman. I will admit that I am not always the best example as sometimes my temper, frustrations, and old habits get the best of me. But I am trying learn from my mistakes and I think I will be using this list to not only teach my son but to remind myself as well of the person that I want to be.

Click on the link above for the list and more from All Pro Dad. I have also posted the complete list below:

1. Being a gentleman is still worth the effort:

- Hold the door.

- Stand up when a woman leaves or joins the table.

- Walk on the “splash” side of the sidewalk.

- Attempt (gently) to pick up the tab.

- Go get the car when it’s raining.

- Offer your hand…

2. At the same time, be respectful: All the above “gentlemanly” actions must be offered subtly, and - if necessary - set aside graciously when refused.

3. Take responsibility: In a word (well, two), “step up.” True manhood takes responsibility for its actions, choices, values and beliefs. And – while taking responsibility, manhood is also willing to admit – with grace - when it is wrong.

4. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable: Real strength allows other people in. Manhood is honest about feelings and not afraid to be known. True manhood never builds a wall where there should be a window, or a fortress where there should be a sanctuary.

5. Actually “being” a man is more important than “talking” like one: Real men don’t just stand up and speak up - they “put up” too. Loud talk and tough posturing don’t cut it. True manhood involves finding a need and doing something about it. Real men don’t complain about social problems – they go out and do something about them. Real men don’t point fingers – they work for solutions. Real men get calluses on their hands – not from flapping their lips.

6. Listen respectfully, disagree politely and never exclude women from conversation: True manhood is inclusive. It may be strong, but it’s unfailingly polite. Men who equate bluster or machismo with strength are typically covering something up. Men who think women have nothing to contribute to the conversation need to wake up and smell the 21st Century.

7. Love is stronger than muscles: True manhood understands that brute force is less compelling than self-giving love. The best solutions to difficulties involved applied love.

8. The first shall be last: True manhood puts others first. Jesus is quoted more than once as saying something like this: If you want to be a leader, then the place to be is on your knees, with a towel in your hand, washing someone’s feet.

9. Manhood is – sometimes - more about what you could do but didn’t than what you could have avoided but did anyway: There’s a lot of restraint – a great deal of “Quiet Strength” in true manhood. Real men tend to always have something in reserve.

10. True manhood is more about giving than about getting: Our culture often touts a “men see what they want, then they go out and get it” view of manhood. But true manhood is more along the lines of “see what the world needs, then go out and do it.” Strength leveraged for the benefit of others.

12 Tips for Praying the Family Rosary Daily

I want to share this post from the blog Canterbury Tales by Taylor Marshall.  It provides parents, especially Dads, practical tips on getting your family to say a daily rosary together. I know from personal experience how much of a challenge this can be, especially with young children. However, I can't think of a better way for dads to strengthen and protect their families. I have posted the complete list below. Please also click here to visit Canterbury Tales to read the rest of this great article which gives more details on the enormous spiritual benefits of a daily family rosary.

Twelve Tips for Praying the Family Rosary Daily (Attention Catholic Dads)

1. Pray using alternation (The father prays first half of Our Father and everyone else prays second half - same goes for Hail Mary and Glory be).

2. Pray the Rosary after dinner but right before bed - this means homework needs to be finished before dinner. Homework kills the Rosary if you don't stay on top of it. You'll also need to say goodbye to watching prime time television - since this is the ideal window of praying together as a family.

3. Pray the Holy Rosary always at the same place at the exact same time. Devotions become strong - even invincible - by constant custom and habit.

4. Pray the Rosary in a special room and set up a little altar with a Bible on it, candles, a statue or image, holy water, or a relic.

5. Dim the lights and light the candles when you begin. If you let the little ones light the candles - they will love it. Kids love fire. Make this a "special time" different from other times. We even burn incense on our domestic altar on feast days. (You can do this easily by placing a little metal screen over a votive candle and then by placing a few grains of incense on the screen. It's fast and easy. This way you don't have use charcoal.)

6. Maybe begin with a hymn or Bible reading to slow things down and set the tone. 

7. The father sets the example. I recommend that the father kneel for the whole Rosary. This communicates importance and solemnity to the Rosary. Children attach importance to what dad does, e.g. mowing lawn, going to work, driving the "dad car," etc.

8. Make it a rule that the child who prays all the responses and volunteers to lead a mystery (10 beads) gets to stay up 10 minutes more than everyone that night - at our house this means you get to watch baseball or have a book read to you. This may be the most important tip. Kids under 7 or 8 need this sort of incentive. If you tell a 6 year old, pray the Rosary so that you receive grace and sanctity - they don't get it. If you say, pray the Rosary so that you can stay up and read a book with me - they'll hit their knees and pray like angels.

9. The one who gets to stay up also gets to blow out the candle at the end. This gives another incentive to pray the prayers - especially for the younger ones. For some reason, blowing out the candle is a really big deal to younger children. (Kids love fire!!!). You'd be amazed how a four year old will attempt to stay still if he can only place a grain of incense on a flame or blow out a candle. (Did I mention that kids love fire?)

10. End with invoking everyone's patron saint (your children's names, confirmation names, and other patrons). E.g. "Saint Thomas: pray for us. Saint Jude: pray for us. Saint Anne: pray for us." Always finish with St Joseph and then Holy Mary Mother of God. Then say "Sacred Heart of Jesus: have mercy on us," three times. If you're shooting for the plenary indulgence, make sure to pray an Our Father and Hail Mary for the Pope.

11. If family Rosary is new, start with one decade for a week. Then go to three for a week. Then go to five decades on the third week. Then don't ever stop.

12. After the daily Rosary is established in your home, have each child announce a mystery and pray the whole decade. This gives them confidence in praying and makes it natural. Plus, they'll learn to memorize all the mysteries of the Holy Rosary - which means they will have memorized the biblical account of Christ's life, death, and glory! This is why the Rosary is called "the Bible on beads."

Dancing With Polar Opposites

I have to confess that I occasionally watch Dancing With the Stars with my wife. While I was watching the show's latest season premiere a couple of weeks ago, I observed something rather interesting about two contestants, former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner, and MTV's Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino. In these two men, we see the classic examples of one man striving to life his faith while the other is intoxicated on the unhealthy pleasures of this world.

For those who may not be familiar, Kurt Warner is the retired NFL quarterback who led the St. Louis Rams to become Superbowl Champions in 2000. He also led the Arizona Cardinals to their first Superbowl in 2008. Warner and his wife have 7 children and are devout Christians who have spoken out against issues such as embryonic stem cell research. They have spent a lot of time and resources helping the developmentally disabled and creating the First Things First Foundation which aids the poor and sick children and their families. Kurt Warner is a great example of what it means to use the talents and blessings given to us by God to help our less fortunate brothers and sisters. Warner is very outspoken about his faith and was once quoted as saying:

 "If you ever really want to do a story about who I am, God's got to be at the center of it. Every time I hear a piece or read a story that doesn't have that, they're missing the whole lesson of who I am."

Calling Mike "The Situation Sorrentino a polar opposite is an understatement. He is cast member of The Jersey Shore. I have never seen it and refuse to watch it. I have heard enough about it to turn my stomach. This reality show, produced by the smut peddlers on MTV, portrays Sorrentino and his roommates in New Jersey living their lives centered on night clubs, partying, drinking, promiscuity, and countless hours in front of a mirror worshiping themselves. I have been tempted to watch the show just to see how many of the seven deadly sins they can commit in one episode. Just from what I have heard, lust, greed, pride, and sloth are regulars on the Jersey Shore. I know I shouldn't be judgmental, but this show has been all over the media, and just by reading these reports and looking at the pictures, I don't think I am very far off the mark on my assessment.

What it Means to Be a Real Man

I recently came across this great article on Catholic Exchange by Maurice Bloomberg of the National Fellowship of Catholic Men:

 What is a Real Man – Part 1?

In this article, the writer lists the characteristics of a true Catholic man. This is a long list, but it details those important qualities that all us men need to strive for. Here is just a sample:

A Real Man…

Puts his faith in God – not in himself

Knows he is a child of God

Understands his purpose in life

Is obedient to God’s will.

A Real Man…

Respects himself and other people

Has strength of character as well as body

Behaves with dignity

Accepts responsibility for his actions

Thinks before he acts

Takes pride in his work.

Please click on the link above to read the article and the full list of qualities in the ideal Catholic man. As Mr. Bloomberg points out, society and media are flooding us with  images that are counter to what Christ calls men to be.  It should come as no surprise then that many boys are growing up with no real understanding of what it means to be a man of God.

That brings me to something else that Mr. Bloomberg mentioned in his article, the movie Courageous. This movie is produced by the same people who created the Christian movie Fireproof. In the same way that Fireproof became a tool to strengthen marriages, Courageous looks to do the same for men and men's ministries. Please watch the video below to get a synopsis and behind the scenes look at this new movie scheduled for release in 2011.

10 Things to Pray For and With Your Child

If you haven't already heard of All Pro Dad, I suggest you visit their website at http://www.allprodad.com/. It is a Christian website with advice, resources, and even events around the country to help men become the best dads they can be. One of the contributors and national spokesman for All Pro Dad is Tony Dungy, retired coach of the 2007 Super Bowl Champions Indianapolis Colts. Dungy, along with many other current and retired NFL stars have helped grow All Pro Dad into an great resource for fathers. There are also links at the bottom of the page for All Pro Dad's sister sites for moms and families, iMom and Family Minute.

One of the regular features on All Pro Dad is their daily Top Ten List which provides daily tips on topics such as raising children, improving your relationship with your wife and living your faith each day. I posted in its entirety the 10 Things to pray for and with your child. It is based on the Our Father and is contains great advice on not only what we as dads should pray for, but what we can teach our children to focus their prayers on. Please visit All Pro Dad and pass it along to others.

10 Things to Pray For and With Your Child

We all want the best for our children, and prayer can be an important part of helping them to grow up. But how should we pray for them and with them?

Well, there's no better guide for prayer than listening to Jesus. When His friends asked him how to pray, He suggested an outline we have come to know as “The Lord's Prayer.”

This “10-Ways” list is based on these words of Jesus:

“Our Father in heaven, may your name be honored. Your kingdom come, Your will be done - in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, as we forgive the sins of others. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory. Forever and ever. Amen.” 

Pray that your kids make a real connection with God: this is the starting place. The fact of prayer assumes a God who is not distant. This is where we all must begin. 

Pray that your children honor the Creator: It's important that kids learn to believe in a real God, a Being of light and power who we can't help but respect and honor – a Creator they can revere rather than the light-weight “Heavenly Santa Clause” of myth. Prayer becomes more meaningful in the context of respect and reverence. 

Pray they translate that honor into action: Kids who honor God are more inclined to participate in their Creator's work. It's the way “Thy will be done” turns into, “Yes, and we'll do it every day.” 

Pray that they are well-equipped to meet every daily need: Prayer as a vehicle to honoring God, is less concerned with “God - give me what I want”, or “me, me, me” as a matter of course. But it is absolutely appropriate to pray that our kids acquire the wisdom and the skills to live in freedom, without going hungry and without fear.

The Modern View of Families and How I Miss Ben Cartwright and Charles Ingalls

I wasn't surprised at all by the news in the following article:

ABC'S HIT COMEDY "MODERN FAMILY" CAPTURES SIX EMMY AWARDS, THE MOST FOR ANY SERIES

First, if you think these awards are not politically motivated, then I have a bridge I would love to sell to you. It's pretty obvious that the Hollywood elite are trying to send a message by giving 6 Emmys to "Modern Family". For those of you who are not familiar with this comedy, it focuses on the lives three "families". The first is a husband, wife, and their children. The second is an older man who left his wife to marry a much younger woman. The third "family" is a gay man, his partner and the baby they adopted.

It was bad enough when Hollywood chose to portray dads as immature, scheming fools. But this show takes it to a whole new low. This show is trying to make the statement that gay men are just as capable, if not better parents than a man and a woman. It also gives the subtle message that heterosexual men will eventually leave their wives for younger women. According to this show, a "modern" family is what we choose it to be according to our own desires. Apparently God's plan for marriage is considered old and obsolete since it doesn't include a gay partner or divorcing your wife for a younger woman.

It is truly sad that long gone are the days when you could turn on the TV and watch a show with your kids that had strong father figures with good values. These outstanding fictional dads included Ben Cartwright on Bonanza, Howard Cunningham on Happy Days, Charles Ingalls on Little House on the Prairie, John Walton on The Waltons and Cliff Huxtable on the Cosby Show. Each one left a lasting positive impression on the millions of families that watched them every week.

It is upsetting to think of how many children and families will never be influenced by positive role models like these. Instead they will be exposed to a myriad of lifestyles, living arrangements, and broken homes on TV each week all under the umbrella of "tolerance", "inclusion", and "progress".  Welcome to the reality of "modern families".

Ben Cartwright, Charles Ingalls, Howard Cunningham, John Walton and Cliff Huxtable, you are all greatly missed.

  Related articles

• LGBT Inclusion Wins Big at Emmys (pinkbananaworld.com)
• Emmy wins prove 'modern' families are U.S. hits (canada.com)
• 'Modern Family' wins Comedy Emmy (ontheredcarpet.com)
• GLSEN Congratulates ABC’s ‘Modern Family’ for 6 Emmys 

Inspirational Words From an American Hero

I want to share this truly remarkable Father's prayer written by American war hero General Douglas MacArthur. I also posted below, after the prayer, an inspirational quote from General MacArthur about his view of fatherhood.

I was so impressed by these words, that I am thinking about making them a permanent fixture on this blog. MacArthur's eloquent prayer and statements capture the truth of real fatherhood. I hope and pray that more men have seen these words and have been moved by them as I have to always strive to be a better man not for our own sake, but because of the examples we are giving to our sons and daughters.

A Father's Prayer
by General Douglas MacArthur
 
Build me a son, O Lord, who will be strong enough
To know when he is weak and brave enough to face himself when he is afraid;
One who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat,
And humble, and gentle in victory.

Build me a son whose wishes will not take the place of deeds;
A son who will know Thee – and that to know himself is the foundation stone of knowledge.
Lead him, I pray, not in the path of ease and comfort, but under the stress and spur of difficulties and challenge. Here, let him learn to stand up in the storm; here let him learn compassion for those that fail.

Build me a son whose heart will be clear, whose goal will be high, a son who will master himself before he seeks to master other men, one who will reach into the future, yet never forget the past.

And after all these things are his, add, I pray, enough of a sense of humor, so that he may always be serious, yet never take himself too seriously. Give him humility, so that he may always remember the simplicity of true greatness, the open mind of true wisdom, and the meekness of true strength.

Then I, his father, will dare to whisper, "I have not lived in vain."

(This reflection was written by General MacArthur, during his early days in the Philippines during the Pacific War, and was left as a spiritual legacy to his son Arthur. Made public after the general’s death in 1964.)


"By profession, I am a soldier and take pride in that fact. But I am prouder – infinitely prouder – to be a father. A soldier destroys in order to build; the father only builds, never destroys. The one has the potentiality of death; the other embodies creation and life. And while the hordes of death are mighty, the battalions of life are mightier still. It is my hope that my son, when I am gone, will remember me not from the battle field but in the home repeating with him our simple daily prayer, 'Our Father who art in Heaven.'  "- General Douglas MacArthur about being a father to his son Arthur.

Never Ever Give Up In Life

This is a powerful video that I came across on the Anchoress blog. It contains a awesome message about not only perseverance, but of what it means to be a father and God's awesome love for us. Please watch this beautiful video and then read the Anchoress' post at the link above on saving the world by saving fatherhood.

Why We Need Strong Fathers

Let's face facts. Families and especially fatherhood in this society is under constant attack. In the recent gay marriage case in California the judge actually called traditional families as "artifacts of the past" and discriminatory. In other words, this judge feels a gay woman could easily replace the influence of a good father when it comes to raising a child. Besides this, there is the usual garbage on television where fathers are portrayed as juvenille dolts who are irresponsible and constantly scheming. Watch any episode of nearly any sitcom on TV today and you won't be able to deny this. Then there was this article in the Atlantic by Pamela Paul called "Are Fathers Necessary ?"

Yes you read the title correctly, this woman actually questions whether we as fathers are even needed. If you had the stomach for it and took the time to read the rest of that ridiculous article, the writer even went so far as to quote 2009 research data compiled by Judith Stacey and Timothy Biblarz of the University of Southern California. This statistical data claims lesbians are more effective parents than heterosexual father. Now, before I go any further, Stacey and Biblarz were quoted in this 2001 article admitting that most studies on gay parenting are flawed and inaccurate because the scholars behind them do not want their research used against the push for gay marriage and gay adoption.

Claiming that "few respectable scholars today oppose [same-sex] parenting," Stacey and Biblarz suggest that most scholars fear that highlighting the differences will be used by opponents of homosexual parenting and marriage to oppose gay adoption and gay marriage.