"Man Blessing"

No doubt he needs his mama,

When he’s a growing little boy,

And she’ll protect and nurture him,

‘Cause he’s her pride and joy.

And Daddy, he’ll take second place,

In those very early years,

‘Cause boys need the tenderness,

To calm their many fears.

But then as he gets older,

The situation shifts,

Then it’s up to daddy,

And mama’s burden lifts.

‘Cause a boy must learn his maleness,

From a man who is a man,

Can’t get it from a woman,

It’s true, nobody can.

A Dad will be the mentor,

To help a boy get cred,

He’ll teach strength and integrity,

To keep the word he said.

They’ll be outside together,

To work, and yes, to play,

And then the boy will ask his dad,

On one of those man days.

Do I have all that it takes,

To be a man like you,

The Dad must be so careful,

To speak in love what’s true.

And, yes, he’ll say you have it,

There’s blessing there, you see,

What he says will help the boy,

To be all he can be.

And if he doesn’t hear it,

From a man whom he can trust,

He’ll look for it from others,

It’s in him so he must.

But it’s somehow always better,

If Dad’s the one who gives,

The approval and the blessing,

‘Cause it’s real and always lives,

In the heart of that young fella,

Who then gets his headstart,

In knowing God the Father,

With Jesus in his heart.

So tell that boy you love him,

And show him that you care,

First it’s from his mama,

Then from a dad who’s there.

“Hear, my so, your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.” (Proverbs 1:8, NAS)

It was assumed in biblical times that fathers and mothers were the primary influencers in their children’s lives. It was dad and mom who would give their child a spiritual head start and a spiritual foundation for their future lives. Then, as now, some parents failed. But with contemporary culture children are exposed through media to a broad array of influences that do not reflect a Christian worldview. More than ever parents and especially dads are called to step up their spiritual leadership and mentor their kids into a personal relationship with Jesus. This may be why we are having so much gender deception and confusion today. Nobody can teach a boy how to become a man better than his own father.

Lord, bless the parents and especially the fathers who are trying to disciple their children, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Bruce Greene, used by permission. Thanks, Bruce, and God bless you.