For those who know me or follow me closely, you'll know that I'm not into holidays. If you've worked with me, I schedule meetings on them because I'm generally oblivious. I don't join the chorus to post about them online.
But Father's Day is different to me. My wife and I have fostered 18 children over the last 10+ years. We see the devasting effects of fatherlessness everyday.
If you watch the news, you see its effects. Anger, resentment, insecurity, no respect for authority, a generation who are driven by their passions with no boundaries or self-control. This produces people with no NorthStar, no stable guiding force in their lives causing them to be tossed by the waves of this life and trapped in its churn...
Even The Kindness Games was fueled by the loss of fathers. Within 2 months of its genesis, my father-in-law died - my last dad, sending me into a second round of depression Thanksgiving week 2020. If you read our book, you will hear stories from Elisa Mula and others about the importance of their fathers in their lives.
So here is my message:
For all the fathers out there who are in it, trying their best to bring up their children to be productive members of society... Thank you! I see you and your struggle. This is one of the most important things you can accomplish in this life. Dedicate yourself to it, embrace the sacrifice, and stay true to the outcome.
For all the fathers out there who are not in it... there are so many reasons leading to this. I implore you to find a way back into the fray. Even from a distance, I've been touched by quality parenthood brought forth by a commitment to be there even when its not physically possible. This will be the source of your greatest regrets if you do not try every avenue and apply every resource to this struggle.
Lastly to those who are overwhelmed by this struggle. You are in it, maybe you want to be in it, but you feel like your failing. Reach out! Reach out to someone who does it well. Reach out to a mentor you respect. Reach out to a Pastor - reach out to someone...
Fatherhood is not a science, it is a practice. Fathers are in the ocean of life, in the churn - whether its their own or the churn of others, we jump in because it is right.
Happy Father's Day everyone!! Find a dad or a father figure to thank.
#FathersDay #TheKindnessGames #OwningLifeStories #Leadership
