Living that Courageous life....

I've been stirred up quite a bit in the last week.  I went to see the movie Courageous last Saturday with my children and it hit me pretty hard.  After some prayer and a few conversations I had this week, I went to see the movie again today. 

For those who don't know about the movie, it's a Christian-based movie about men stepping up as spiritual leaders in their homes, about standing in the gap and not just being a presence, but truly being there for their families and raising them up in a Godly home.

Because of my actions, both of my girls are the casualties of divorce.  Their fathers have moved away and, although they are a presence in their daughters' lives, my girls are left without that spiritual leader in their home in the form of a father.  And this breaks my heart. 

I've purposed in my heart for the last 2 1/2 years that when God sees fit to provide me with a loving man to call husband, that that man would be a Godly man.  A man who will lead my girls in their Christian walk.  He will engage with my children, talking with them, nurturing them, loving them as if they were his own.  They will feel him as friend, mentor, and ultimately father whether he's at home, at work, or miles away.  That man will be a provider and role model, a man who models his walk in his actions with church, Bible reading, and prayer.  He will put me first, take care of my physical and emotional needs, and love me as Christ loved the church....the ultimate kind of love.  My children will see his dedication to me and them and we will model love and respect to him.  People around us will see it as well because we will live it out loud.

This is not an easy task as the process (in my case) starts before the marriage.  In traditional homes, you have the luxury of beginning this as you begin to build your family.  In single-parent homes, it starts long before, giving the children the comfort in knowing that you are the man that can eventually fill that role.  The father role can't be filled immediately, but they should be able to see and feel that mentoring, friendship, love, and dedication.  It shouldn't be based on "what mom tells them."  You have to take the time to cultivate that relationshipwith them.  It builds confidence and trust.

Here is my challenge to you:
Men who are willing to stand up and take on that role---don't give up and don't get sidetracked.  Your family or future family NEED to see you live it....with pride and integrity.  Don't give up because it's hard.  Don't let distractions get in the way of showing it, living it.  Your children, future children, and/or future step-children need to know that you are not one to do it only when it's easy or convenient.  That you will do it ALWAYS.

Single moms---Do not settle for less than when God mandates this for your family.  That role is meant to be filled by a Godly, committed man.  If that man now can't stand up to the challenge, pray that God gives you clarity in what you should do.  Commit to praying about it and commit to honor what God tells you to do, no matter what that may be.  God may be working in his life to mold him to be that person.  God may also be using that circumstance to mold you and to teach you to stand up for this kind of commitment.

Parents---If you are already there....LIVE IT.  Put God as the center of your marriage and family and resolve to never stand down from God's requirements, no matter what challenges may come your way.

This challenge is not for the faint of heart....it's meant for the courageous.