Hollywood continues to miss the mark. “Esteemed” writers and actors, to garner a quick laugh, portray TV and movie dads as aloof, naive, cowardly, and would much rather have us think that kids are on level with their fathers. By creating such a linear family structure, some children no longer feel obligated to honor their dads with the respect and admiration most deserve. This is a dangerous message being sent, not only to our children, but to the men who see this portrayal as a low bar of which we are begged to crawl over and society, in general, seems ok with that. This is not what we as fathers were called to be.
I’ve so enjoyed “meeting” your dads today. I’ve been encouraged by your stories, memories, and how proud you are of your fathers. We need men of strength and character in our families. Those who love us unconditionally, but also willing to discipline us, not as our best buds, but as our children who need correction. Time is the currency of a child’s life and when, as dads, our pockets are empty, our children become bankrupt. Mothers are the heart and soul of our children, but dads are the anchor in the safe harbor of life.
Happy Father’s Day to all my dads out there. If you’ve read along this far, you’re not who Hollywood wants you to be. You are most likely engaged, present, and the hero your son or daughter needs. Your cool points may no longer be enough to trade for a pack of baseball cards, but the kindness, love, and leadership you demonstrate for your kids will pay dividends worth more than any Babe Ruth rookie card will ever be.
Facing Southward 