Mighty Men
Decorated general, Douglas Macarthur once said, “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 battlefield but in the home repeating with him our simple daily prayer, ‘Our Father who art in Heaven.’”
This beautiful sentiment underscores the fact that fathers have an important life-giving role in their children’s lives. Unfortunately, many dads are unsure of their standing and can feel left out of the pregnancy process.
Nathan was one such father. He was excited when his wife became pregnant with their first child and started attending prenatal classes with her. He desired to be a good dad but started to feel disconnected. Finally, one of the lessons gave practical advice about bonding with the pre-born baby, such as singing to his wife’s pregnant belly or reading stories.
Nathan thanked his Client Advocate for the lesson and expressed gratitude for the affirmations she gave him throughout the appointment. He is now more confident in his new role and is looking forward to the day when he meets his baby face-to-face.
Psalm 127:3-4 says, “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth.”
What a blessing it is to equip young men like Nathan to become the dads they were created to be so that they can lead their own children in mighty prayers to our Father in heaven!