What am I thankful for? Plenty, because I have been truly blessed. I’m thankful for her and them. Yes, I am thankful for it. I’m thankful for them because they always make me laugh and for them because it always makes me smile. I am thankful for Christmas because it means Jesus was born. I’m thankful for Easter because it means he rose. But more than anything today, I’m thankful for two things…grace and mercy. So I wanted to take 120 of my 86,400 seconds today to just say “Thank you for grace and mercy.”
A letter to my sons on Father’s Day (2009)
3 min read
Malcolm and Matty,
It’s been a full year since my last letter to you and it has been a busy 12 months. In that time you have changed schools, made new friends, learned to swim, and grown a lot. For the most part, I have enjoyed our many moments alone while your momma was away. We have cried a little, laughed a lot, and hopefully, for you, started a life that is fun and rewarding. It hasn't been a big shiny life, but it has been satisfying for me.
I don’t know if I was ready to be a dad before either of you entered my life but once you were born I knew I had to become one. I didn't know the first thing about raising children or raising a boy to be a man and you didn't come with instructions. But as your father, I like to think your mother and I are doing a pretty good job with you. We had to and still have to learn most things on our own, but much of the urgency of the early days are gone, and not by luck, but with hard work, making hard decisions, and lots of love.
Malcolm, as I find myself assisting and explaining life\'s little instructions to you, I can see that you are growing into such an independent man. I know at times I can be rough on you about cleaning your room or playing in church, but you are softening me up quite a bit. I promise that I will give you your space, but not too much.
Matty, When you were born I asked myself if I would be able to handle another son? Raising you is a different experience from raising your brother for so many different reasons. Even at two, I can see that you will be an extraordinary young man full of courage and heart. When I place your hand in my hand I notice how the size difference is not as much as it used to be. Sometimes I see my grandfather’s face when I look at you and I smile because of the great man that he was. Other times I see my dad and I remember what a strong man he is.
To you both I say: My wish for you, as your father, is that you find someone to experience the bigness of this world with and that you grow old with that someone. Your mother has been a great wife and is the most important noun in my life. When we met, she challenged me to be a better human being and made me shift my priorities and reassess my value system. I pray that you find someone to do the same for you and you are blessed to have children as wonderful as you are.
As each of you were born I realized I was responsible for helping you to become good men. As you are growing I’m willing to give you my time, my attention, my love, and my hugs and I am happy to give them all to you. You have been great sons, and I have tried to be a great dad for you both. I have no doubt that you will become tremendous men. I want you to always remember, I will be there for you, no matter what obstacles you may face in this life.
Love,
Your daddy
Called to Spiritual Fatherhood
2 min read
Originally printed in the August 2007 edition of The Voice.
Right this minute, there are people in your life who are desperate for father figures. They are looking for godly men to be godly examples. Unfortunately, many men never come to the realization of how important this powerful call to spiritual fatherhood actually is.
The Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 4:14-16 “I am not writing these things to shame you but to warn you as my beloved children. For even if you had ten thousand others to teach you about Christ, you have only one spiritual father. For I became your father in Christ Jesus when I preached the Good News to you. So I ask you to follow my example and do as I do.” New Living Translation. There is something so precious, so wonderful, so holy about fatherhood, especially a father who provides stability and security. Good fathers always know what to say and their wisdom and compassion toward others become the hallmark of their life. What an influence fathers have on their sons and daughters!
There comes a time in every man’s life to “step up to the plate” and fulfill his role as a spiritual father. People around us are crying out for it. Spiritual orphans are out there, waiting for a father like you to mentor them. Begin to see yourself as a father to those the Lord places in your life. As we men continue to seek the Lord, study His Word, live holy lives, and be an example, God will equip us to do for others what He does best for us as our loving, caring, heavenly Father.
A Prayer Request for Our Military Members
1 min read
Originally printed in the April 2007 edition of The Voice.
"Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. Amen."
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Our nation has troops all over the world, from Cuba to Korea, Afghanistan to Iraq. Whether or not you support military operations abroad, as Christians, we know the power of prayer and are called to pray for those who need additional strength and safety. The next time your family begins grace, say a prayer for our troops and their families.
Of all the gifts you could give a U.S. Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marine deployed in harm's way, prayer is the very best!!!
Mark MLK Holiday with a New Resolve to Serve
2 min read
Originally published in the January 2007 edition of The Voice.
Nearly 45 years after Martin Luther King, Jr. made his famous "I Have a Dream" speech, many blacks in the United States are still dreaming of King's equal nation. The reality is that while many blacks are living King's dream of equality and fair treatment, many are not.
In 2007, many blacks live in poverty. Many blacks can name more correctional facilities than institutions of higher learning. Many blacks will not live to see their 30th birthday. Random acts of brutality still claim young lives and many of our communities are filled with drug dealers and crack addicts. Students in those communities still are not adequately prepared to pursue an education and men and women in these communities are contracting HIV at an alarming rate.
While Dr. King is remembered for many things, his commitment to service stands out. If anything is to be remembered about King, it should be that" everyone can be great because everyone can serve."
While the country pauses for one day, we should recommit itself to improving our communities everywhere. Not just in January, but throughout the year. Poverty, violence, and ignorance will never end if our collective work ceases after the holiday.
Let this MLK Holiday be the beginning of service and a fresh commitment to improving communities in this country, and maybe King's dream can materialize sooner rather than later.