A Reflection by Bro Alex Hernandez
Introduction
Last few weeks ago, the men/Christ Carpenters had its 1st General Meeting. We had a very nice heavy breakfast and afterwards had a walksercise in the Phoenix Park for around half an hour (not sure how long it was). And when we came back. We had a few chat and gradually became quite as we started to watch a movie (what a nice way to relax after the walk).
Movie Reflection
The movie was about the 4 men who are serving the force and an ordinary family guy who eventually became part of the group after an extraordinary circumstance. Each of them has a unique way of life and each has his own struggle.
The Movie and Real Life
When I watched the trailer of this movie, the first thing that came into my mind was “oh I think I already have an idea of what was all about” basing my thoughts on the filmmaker and producer. But it caught me by surprise because it was entirely different from what I’ve been expecting it to happen.
As fathers we tend to think like that, if not all the time, its most of the time. That we already know what will happen. Thinking that in a family, the men are in control of everything (highest ranking official kumbaga). As we watch the movie, I noticed that everybody was so silent. The men seem to be in-tune and seriously occupied with it. At first, some are smiling and might be saying (hey that’s me! hehehe). Some might be saying (hey I’m like that guy protecting my family!)… But as the movie progress and reach its turning point, everybody became speechless and dead silent as all eyes are on the screen. And so the story goes…
But a movie is just a movie and life is real. And the truth is “Who is a good father that doesn’t like to have his own family to prosper and have a bright future?” Of course we do. Admit it or not, we fathers, we are too busy doing things on our own way. i.e. Full time jobs, part-time jobs, Friends Hang-outs, Church Involvement/Ministry or Ministries, extra-curricular activities, basketball, volleyball, Internet, YouTube, Letmewatchthis.com, Facebook, Modern Warfare 3 and so on.. We spend so much time in/with them and before we knew it, we miss precious opportunity to share our “love in action” with our love-ones.
Encouragement
Father plays a very important role in the family. It is through us that our children will pattern their future. It is from us that a child will learn how to react on things, decide on things and stand on things later in life. While our wives help in raising up our kids, they were never intended to carry the weight alone. Nonetheless we thank them. But we can’t hide the fact that a child needs a Dad.
Invitation
This morning as we sign on this resolution and present to our families, we are ask God to help us truly understand how crucial our role is as a father that we need to be. We believe that God desires for us to courageously step up and do whatever it takes to be involved in the lives of our children. Not only there to provide but to walk with them through their young lives and be a visual representation of the character of God, their father in heaven. We should love our children and seek to win their hearts. We should protect them, discipline them and teach them about God. We should model how to walk with integrity and treat others with respect and should call them responsible men and women who live their lives for what matters in eternity.
Warning
Some men will hear this and mock it, or ignore it. But as a father, let us be warned, that we are accountable to God for the position of influence he has given us. We cannot afford to sit back and relax while our kids suffer and one day realizes that our jobs or hobbies have no eternal value, but the souls of our children have. Some men will agree with this but have no resolve to live it out. Instead, let us not live by ourselves; let us not waste the opportunity to leave a godly legacy for the next generation. Let us be, regardless of the mistakes we’ve made in the past, regardless of what our fathers did not do for us, will give the strength of our arms and the rest of our days to loving God with all that we are and to teach our children to do the same. And whenever possible, to love and mentor others who have no father in their lives but who desperately need help and direction.
Conclusion
And so if you accept this responsibility and embrace it as a privilege then come. We are now inviting any man whose heart is willing and full of courage to join us in this resolution. May the strength and grace of God be upon us, as we say “I will?”
About the Author: Bro Alex Hernandez is our Media Ministry Head. He performs the main projectionist role during Sunday Worship Services. He’s one of the core members of the Men’s Ministry “Christ’s Carpenters”. He’s married to Sis Joy and they have 3 children.
