On a recent Saturday, I attended the season ending event of Xcel 2 Fitness. Using obstacle courses and similar equipment, this afterschool program encourages young boys to become stronger physically and spiritually so they can fulfill their potentials. They call themselves “dream chasers”.
At a recent All Pro Dad breakfast, Furr Elementary School dads told the audience [including their kids] why they were proud of their children.
A powerful message coming from committed dads.
This story made me think of the many wonderful men who are a part of our Be There Dad ministry in our community. On any given day, a young child might look at one of our dads with excitement and exclaim the same, “Look at that man. He’s punching a hole in the darkness!”
In Yellowstone Park on a sunny August afternoon, I sat and waited for the iconic geyser, Old Faithful to do its stuff. Shortly my expectations and those of hundreds of others were met as the geyser spewed steam and hot water into the air.
Jeff has expanded his vision to include children in the Charlotte Mecklenburg schools. His non-profit volunteer organization, Be There Dad, is currently assisting 14 elementary schools and two middle schools, helping fathers and other concerned adults find ways to serve children, their schools, and the community.
On this weekday, I had plenty of work waiting on my desk. But I was patient and stay engaged. I was reminded of the words of Pastor David Chadwick , “Children spell love T-I-M-E.” A little time from my day.
As Be There Dads, we accept the responsibility to raise our children. Like the movie, we gladly help them draw up mission plans so they can reach for the moon and return safely. But, then there are the glitches on the mission.
These guys had options. They could have easily been home stretched out on a sofa or they could have been at this same basketball game with others their own age thinking about themselves. But instead, they chose to give children that precious gift we talk about over and over – their presence.
Unlike many folks, I still read the newspaper. Long ago someone taught me to read the comics first and that is some of the best advice I ever received.
If you believe that Male Engagement is critical for all children, this conference will equip you to make it happen.