Estimates are that over 85% of long-term prison inmates in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice grew up without a dad involved in their lives.
It is on us dads to raise godly young men! We must be there to discuss Biblical manhood with our sons early and often and exemplify it in our daily lives. As we do, we will see the prison population decrease significantly.

Statistics reflect that young ladies are three times as likely to become teen mothers when dad is not engaged in their lives.
It is up to us dads to be engaged emotionally with our daughters, date them regularly and partner with Mom to discuss life choices before another life is involved. As we do, we may just see abortion clinics go out of business.

The Word on Being There: “He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse.” – Malachi 4:6. Our Father shares the moniker “father” with us dads for a reason – to be His representative in the home. The absence of fathers in the home has been the cause for many societal woes. Being there, present and accountable as His representative in the home is the solution.

Tips:
1. Schedule time with your daughter(11-18) or young son(8-13) to attend one of the upcoming Being There
    retreats at Camp Cullen –  Father/daughter December 6-8; Father/young son December 13-15, 2013.
2. Ask a buddy to work through a study for dads together utilizing Dads Becoming Heroes.
3. Initiate a core group of dads in your church that will help engage dads in raising a godly generation - LEAD.

Comment below on how Dad impacted your view of manhood, or your view regarding women.

Tips to Be There spiritually for your kids include:

Spending routine personal time in scripture, prayer, worship and study
Praying with your children or for each child by name everyday
Loving your wife as Christ loves the Church

“For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers.” – Romans 8:29. Christ-likeness is what men are to be conformed to. Commit to be more Christ-like tomorrow than today and the journey will bless your family for generations to come.

As you make the effort to lead spiritually by example with your kids, you will be a hero in their eyes.

Using the comment section, tell us what you have done or will do to Be There spiritually for your children.

Tips to Be There emotionally for your kids include:

1. Getting interested in their interests
2. Having dinner together as a family five times a week
3. Scheduling one-on-one time – a dad/daughter or father/son adventure
   (click Being There for opportunities in December 2013)

“If you love Me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever – the Spirit of Truth.” – John 14:15-17. Jesus anticipated emotional distractions long before 150 cable channels, i-phones, texting, radio and newspapers, not to mention other worries, frustrations and discouragement. Work to eliminate distractions, at least at the dinner table, and focus on being there emotionally in family.

As you make the effort to be engaged emotionally with your kids, you will be a hero in their eyes.

Using the comment section, tell us what you have done or will do to be engaged emotionally with your children.

Tips to Be There physically for your kids include:

1. Prioritizing their activities and events on your calendar
2. Coaching their teams or helping in some way
3. Chaperoning events or hosting youth group gatherings

 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning … The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” – John 1:1-2, 14.
Just as God provided a connection with Him through the physical presence of His Son, a father provides a connection to the Father by being present physically in family.

Studies have found that kids with a dad present in their lives are more likely to do well academically, are less likely to give in to peer pressure and are generally more comfortable in their own skin. As you make the effort to prioritize physical presence with your kids, you will be a hero in their eyes.

Using the comment section, tell us how your dad was there physically for you.