I have listened to many opinions of what success is since returning to America, success as it relates to a man, and his life. I have listened as older women say monetary success and financial freedom is the most important thing to possess later in life, or receive from their husbands. I have listened to young fathers rattle off a million appointments and obligations with puffed up chests, meanwhile their children are left fatherless, their wives frustrated. Sadly, even in ministry, or mostly in ministry, men are encouraged to desert their own families to “serve” the body of Christ.
We really can’t blame the men for all this; I think the poor guys don’t know what the heck to do. Success for men means financial success, business success, fame and fortune. The men that are hero’s in our society are in truth, most times moral idiots…professional athletes and Hollywood celebrities that may be dripping with wealth, but are completely lacking in character, and actually what I consider more sad little boys, then men!
Then, we have what I consider “real men”, like the man that I am married to, and the man that raised me. A real man, is often an un-sung hero. The world does not celebrate the men who day in and day out choose to do the “right” thing. The men who are faithful to their wives, the men who never abandon their children, the men who work hard to provide for their families, these are the only real hero’s that I know of.
I wish I had the words to say how much I love my dad, how handsome and sweet he is to me, how I love the way he smells, and the look of his big strong hands that somehow manage to be gentle. I wish he could see himself as I see him, as a raging success in life and as a man; I wish he knew that he is and always will be, my hero!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BILL. Lisa, that touched our hearts because we know you mean every word. Love Mom and Dad
Thank you for sharing this Lisa! God really has poured out his blessing by providing fathers like that and a husband for you that glows God (and hopefully a husband for me that does as well someday!)
Lisa – you DID find the words ! Sounds like Bible honor to me ….xo A.
The world needs to know what real men are, because they are sadly lacking. The saddest part is that most guys desire to be real men and they strive so hard, but they are aiming at the wrong mark.
Thank you for painting this picture for the guys, but also for us girls.
Beautiful, Lisa…you said it all. I could see the tears welling up in your dad’s eyes for a job well done. Love you girl! Give Gary a hug for me.
Awesome tribute and well stated! Your dad must be just as proud of you, for the woman, wife and mother you have become.