Something for Fathers

As a parent and a youth pastor, I am constantly aware of the impact that the internet has on our kids. Not only is it a source of temptation, it is a place to learn just about anything. I know this, because I've used the internet to learn how to fix, repair, replace, and do a bunch of things.

Our kids are doing the same things. #2 have learned how to replace iPhone and iPad screens and digitizers by watching YouTube videos. #3 has learn all sorts of soccer moves by watching, replaying, and practicing. The internet is a great source of information. But are we losing something when the internet becomes our first source of learning.

My friend Walt Mueller, posted on his blog, a link to a recent Gillette commercial that went live on June 6th, 2016. It was a Father's Day campaign, which pits the knowledge of the internet with the the know-how of a dad.

​Take a minute to watch this video.

If the video isn't visible, click on this link, https://youtu.be/fmWRODY0ing.

First, kudos to Gillette. They have joined a small number of companies that our challenging us with a push to reconsider the importance of home, family, and relationships. I appreciate the marketing genius behind these ads. Not only to they tug at our heartstrings, but the take a stab at some unsettling realities of post-family and post-modern life.

Second, what a punch in the gut. A wake up call for us dad's who have, over time, moved further and further away from the idea of intimate relationships with our kids; in this case our sons! I remember asking my dad to teach me how to tie a tie. I remember my dad showing me how to change the oil, gap a spark plug, replace a car battery, and changing a tire.

Men, are role in the lives of our boys is incredibly significant. We are the ones charged with training them up, both in matters of faith and in the courses of life! But too many of us, myself included, have taken a back seat, and are allowing our kids to find answers on the internet, through asking their friends, or fumbling around on their own.

This coming weekend I will be preaching on the importance of the family and the role of mom and dad to be the spiritual leaders/teachers of their homes. I find it timely that this little ad should find it's way across my computer screen, because, as the ad suggests, the task of being a dad is one better not left to the internet.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, "Come on guys, let's get it together!"

Let's reengage with our sons and become the teachers and examples that they need. No more waiting in the wings hoping that somehow, someway they'll figure it out. Our boys in men in their lives. Men of integrity. Men of honor. Men of courage. Men of compassion. Men who are brave enough to remember what it was like to be a teenager struggling to figure out all the complexities of adolescence.

Dads, don't wait for them to ask you.

​- the higham family

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Hi we're Jay & Amy, and we've been married for 20 years and are super blessed to be busy raising our 5 kids; 4 boys and 1 girl! We juggle the adventures of life and full-time ministry and share what we are learning as it relates to marriage, family, raising kids, serving in the church, and chasing after Jesus. We know that raising a family is hard work, especially in today's culture. But our hope is to encourage you and your family, as we live for the glory of God. This is our story.