ADVICE DAD NEVER GAVE YOU

Ralph Sorter

   When is a man strong?  What are the qualities that make a man sought after to lead their families?  The answer is found in striking a balance between rising up to defend and knowing when to comfort.

   Families are looking for an anchor that is not easily blown and tossed by the wind.  There’s enough out there blowing against them to tempt them to weigh anchor and head to a safer port.  The family looks to Dad for that strength and reassurance that they are going to make it.

   But strength out of balance leads to dictatorship, and no one wants to live under a heavy arm of  “it’s my way or the highway.”

   There’s a tension in being a strong, godly man.  It’s being able to find the balance between two opposites.  Let me pair some of them together as a suggestion for the balance: Gentle strength.  Strong hand of grace.  Warrior poet.  Lead with tenderness.

   In case you are wondering whether these contrasts really go together, look at the example of our Lord.  “One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving.”  (Ps. 62:11-12)

   Now here’s the test men: Real masculinity means taking the initiative to make this happen.  A real man can admit he is wrong, yet keep a balance of strength and tenderness.

   Families live in fear when Dad is overpowering.  Families live in chaos when there is no leadership.  And families live in selfish rebellion when Dad’s a pushover.

   What is needed is a Dad that fights real enemies, yet instills a passion to live Christlike. 

A Message from HOPE’s

Marriage & Family Ministry

ADVICE DAD NEVER GAVE YOU

Ralph Sorter

   When is a man strong?  What are the qualities that make a man sought after to lead their families?  The answer is found in striking a balance between rising up to defend and knowing when to comfort.

   Families are looking for an anchor that is not easily blown and tossed by the wind.  There’s enough out there blowing against them to tempt them to weigh anchor and head to a safer port.  The family looks to Dad for that strength and reassurance that they are going to make it.

   But strength out of balance leads to dictatorship, and no one wants to live under a heavy arm of  “it’s my way or the highway.”

   There’s a tension in being a strong, godly man.  It’s being able to find the balance between two opposites.  Let me pair some of them together as a suggestion for the balance: Gentle strength.  Strong hand of grace.  Warrior poet.  Lead with tenderness.

   In case you are wondering whether these contrasts really go together, look at the example of our Lord.  “One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving.”  (Ps. 62:11-12)

   Now here’s the test men: Real masculinity means taking the initiative to make this happen.  A real man can admit he is wrong, yet keep a balance of strength and tenderness.

   Families live in fear when Dad is overpowering.  Families live in chaos when there is no leadership.  And families live in selfish rebellion when Dad’s a pushover.

   What is needed is a Dad that fights real enemies, yet instills a passion to live Christlike. 

A Message from HOPE’s

Marriage & Family Ministry

ADVICE DAD NEVER GAVE YOU

Ralph Sorter

   When is a man strong?  What are the qualities that make a man sought after to lead their families?  The answer is found in striking a balance between rising up to defend and knowing when to comfort.

   Families are looking for an anchor that is not easily blown and tossed by the wind.  There’s enough out there blowing against them to tempt them to weigh anchor and head to a safer port.  The family looks to Dad for that strength and reassurance that they are going to make it.

   But strength out of balance leads to dictatorship, and no one wants to live under a heavy arm of  “it’s my way or the highway.”

   There’s a tension in being a strong, godly man.  It’s being able to find the balance between two opposites.  Let me pair some of them together as a suggestion for the balance: Gentle strength.  Strong hand of grace.  Warrior poet.  Lead with tenderness.

   In case you are wondering whether these contrasts really go together, look at the example of our Lord.  “One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving.”  (Ps. 62:11-12)

   Now here’s the test men: Real masculinity means taking the initiative to make this happen.  A real man can admit he is wrong, yet keep a balance of strength and tenderness.

   Families live in fear when Dad is overpowering.  Families live in chaos when there is no leadership.  And families live in selfish rebellion when Dad’s a pushover.

   What is needed is a Dad that fights real enemies, yet instills a passion to live Christlike. 

A Message from HOPE’s

Marriage & Family Ministry