A Response to the Father's Day Message

So, a bit out, how is our community reacting to the Father's Day call for our men to step up as leaders? How did it feel for women and for men when the men were surrounding the rest of our community in prayer?

As women, it can be tempting, really, to say "Ok, guys, Scott gave you a direction, what are you doing with it?" And, that is definitely worth exploring, but where else can we go with it?

A lesser explored approach, also worth considering, is Scott's message regarding how men in our society have allowed themselves to be defined. If you recall, he said that men have settled for being defined by their sexuality. And, he said that they have been "pushed down" and "diminished."

As a woman in our community, a woman who VERY much wants our men to step up and be the leaders God is calling them to be, I would be remiss in not admitting the role of the women in our community (myself at the top of the list) in this pushing down and diminishing.

First, I was repenting about how I do and have done this to my own husband, even today, whom God has commanded me to respect. On further reflections, I realize I have done this to my dad, my sons, and my male friends in our community and elsewhere.

Yes, most, if not all, women have been let down by men in our lives. Yes, it can be hard to trust. Yes, in our society, we have every advantage of education and sufficiency that men have.

And, yes, scripture stays the same. It still says to look to our husbands as leaders.

I invite you to join us in a discussion in the role we play in lifting up our men and our boys in the role God has given them.

Women, how are you doing in this? Men, how can we do better at this?

Please prayerfully consider how you can participate in this conversation!

Blessings,
AG