Role modeling

[Wren]

While we all await the afterlife, it remains a fact that things in this life are not too spiffy. Allowing the breakdown of the family unit, IMHO, will be the biggest mistake since the Garden of Eden. But sad as it may be, it does provide an oppertunity that I feel men should sieze on. There are lots of kids out there hurting. In many cases, they simply need someone to talk to, someone to take them fishing, someone to let them know in some small way that they are cared about. Even a simple act like getting to know a neighbood boy who has no dad. You don't need to aspire to take them to Disneyland. A small comment like "How did you do at the game today?" fowwowed by a litle banter can do more good than you might imagine. Until recently, I transported students for a local school that teachs learning disabled kids. I found a wonderful chance to influence thier lives in a small small way. Just because I was a simple bus driver. I'm not going to evaluate them, discipline them, or write them up. I had no agenda and they knew that.
A man is a special unique person. No woman, try as she may, can replace the influence of a male. And lots of kids are needing it.
 Look around you. Consider being an advocate for kids. Hire the neighbor hood trouble kid to do some work, show him trust. The examples are endless but I'll not go on. Portray a positive imiage of a man, go out on a limb for abit. You'll make a difference, and perhaps bring someone to know the Lord. It's easy to just sit around, but avoid it. Real men die moving!

[Symphony]

Thanks so much for that reminder, Wren.

I think I need to frame that one.

[Diego]

Jesus reminds us that as disciples of Himself, we are to be role-models to the world.  The difference in us due to our Christian walk should reflect Jesus as the light of the world.  We want people to know that we are different and that the church has been entrusted with something that they need, wherever they are in their lives.  I am reminded of St. Francis of Assisi who said: "Preach the gospel at all times, and if necessary use words."  The best way to have a postive influence in someone else's life is to model the love of Christ by the life we live.  There is no better and genuine role-model than someone who has a sincere desire to be used by God and surrender to His will.

[Symphony]

Thanks, Diego...

[ollie]

James 1:27.  Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

[Philippians 4:13]

Those are some good stories. I find it hard to motivate myself lately due to a back injury I've been fighting for the last 3 years or so. I just had a fusion Sept. 27, so I'll be healing and getting back to work with-in a year. But that story kind of gave me some inspiration to get off my putooty and do something. I also like that quote by St. Francis of Assisi.

God Bless...
Robert

[Shylynne]

A man is a special unique person. No woman, try as she may, can replace the influence of a male. And lots of kids are needing it.

 
well said!  

[Bern]

I totally agree. Its important that boys have the right role models to look up to. If they don't they find themselves alternative role models. This is why imho, so many kids end up screwed up adults.