Not Just Some Guy
Another year, another Father’s Day. Usually I wind up giving a talk at church about fathers—I have no idea why, though I’m sure God is trying to tell me something—but this year I just got to reflect. A father isn't just some guy we know. Fatherhood is an essential part of every man’s identity and purpose, regardless of whether or not he has his own children. It's the most important thing he can ever be or do. Fatherhood is more than shared chromosomes. It’s more than bankrolling someone’s life or bullying them into chores or telling terrible jokes to embarrass your kid. Being a dad is about showing up. It is about encouraging children to be brave, strong, a little reckless. It’s about accountability, leadership, service and sacrifice. Fathers protect, guide, and provide the firm foundation to build (or rail) against. All too often we lavish attention on mothers—and rightfully so—but we diminish or overlook the importance of ...