Recently, I realized my father figures have these qualities in common – they are prosecutors, police, military, teachers, advisors, and have a very strong connotation to music or the arts. In general, working class and although not all practice Christianity in what most would consider the norm, they all have ties to the faith.  And yes they represent both ends of the political spectrum. 

They shaped me profoundly.

They embodied and lived out much of the values and qualities I believed in and tried to live out.

Strong, brave, kind.

Conversely, the church (and really many others), I grew up in had mediocre to poor male role models.

Excuse makers, yes men, shallow thinkers, self serving, cowards, bureaucratic monsters.

There were a few exceptions but so disappointing.  Also shaped me profoundly. On the surface, many looked good – didn’t drink, swear, gamble, maybe were even faithful. The problem is that they really didn’t do anything else.

True religion is more than abstaining. You must do something. Especially when it is costly. That’s where hope and faith grow and live.

There are no perfect fathers and I am no exception – far far from it. There is but one perfect Father and even on some days, that’s not easy to believe in.