Made my way to the Linway tonight with Dave & Liz Carey to see the new Sherwood Pictures movie, Courageous. A movie that centers around 4 policemen and some of the struggles they go through with juggling their career and family life. Resolved to not just be a father that does and “ok” job, Adam, the lead character resolves to make a change to do better than “ok” and comes up with a resolution to keep himself accountable to his family and by his friends. It’s a very powerful example of a man stepping up to take the God-intended role. (I don’t want to say too much so as not to spoil the movie for those who will go to see it.)
One of the biggest reasons we have as many issues with our young people as we do in our country – crime, bad behavior, disrespect and dishonor, school problems, sex before marriage – is because fathers have walked away from their roles. Men have allowed circumstances to emasculate them and the media has not helped at all in this area. The media’s portrayal of most fathers as simpering, whiny morons without backbones, has reinforced the idea that men are easily manipulated and spineless, and those who do stand up, are overly authoritative and have control issues. The media could not be more wrong about the role of a man and what a man actually is.
The Bible has plenty to say about what a man is, and what a man does for his family. I was blessed to have an example of a true man in my life for 38 years. My father was not perfect by any means, but He continually exemplified what a true man was. I have heard it said that being a courageous father often means choosing courage over comfort, and I think my dad did that a lot. I think back on all that he sacrificed for us to have a roof, food and all the stuff of life to get by. I am sure he was making some of it up as he went along, hoping for the best and praying it would work out. But he steadfastly did what needed to be done, no matter what. He did it with humor, and goofiness sometimes. He showed us all what a man was – responsible, dependable, servant-ical, ethical, moral, intellectual (brain housing group functions), and spiritual. (I had to add the -ical at the end of servant to make my little phrase flow, right?). Seriously though, this movie made me miss my dad a bunch, but also made me proud that he taught me so many of the truths of what makes a true man.
I love the resolution from the movie – here is the text of what they resolved to do … and be.
I WILL love them, protect them, serve them, and teach them the Word of God as the spiritual leader of my home.
I WILL be faithful to my wife, to love and honor her, and be willing to lay down my life for her as Jesus Christ did for me.
I WILL bless my children and teach them to love God with all of their hearts, all of their minds, and all of their strength.
I WILL train them to honor authority and live responsibly.
I WILL confront evil, pursue justice, and love mercy.
I WILL pray for others and treat them with kindness, respect, and compassion.
I WILL work diligently to provide for the needs of my family.
I WILL forgive those who have wronged me and reconcile with those I have wronged.
I WILL learn from my mistakes, repent of my sins, and walk with integrity as a man answerable to God.
I WILL seek to honor God, be faithful to His church, obey His Word, and do His will.
I WILL courageously work with the strength God provides to fulfill this resolution for the rest of my life and for His glory.
Sounds like it was a pretty good movie. We have talked about seeing it ourselves! 🙂 Hope you enjoyed your time with them! 🙂 Hugs to you all!