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What Guardians Of The Galaxy Can Teach Us About Fatherhood

Recently saw Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 2 and it was just as enjoyable and fun to watch as the first one. I’m a big fan of the larger Marvel cinematic universe, but the Guardians of The Galaxy storyline is one of my favorites.

Spoiler Alert

I love the sci-fi mixed with humor theme’ing — even if Drax’s laughter feels forced at times. There is also the camaraderie, stunning visuals, and the of course the epic soundtrack. If you’re a fan of the last Guardians movie, there’s no reason to think that you won’t find this one just as good.

We have to start at the end and roll it back a bit to highlight one of the deeper themes in the movie. Peter’s (Star Lord) coveted Walkman gets busted and Kraglin (Yondu’s right-hand Ravager) gives him a “new” music player as a replacement. The epic joke is that he got a Microsoft Zune. Kraglin shares that Yondu always expected Peter to come back, so he picked it up for him while at a space junk sale. After being in awe that this new player can hold “300 songs?!” he scrolls through the menu and, like he did at the end of the last movie and fires up a track — “Father and Son.” from Cat Stevens

Let’s unpack the deeper theme of “Father and son” from the movie…

Quotes To Kick Your Masculinity Into Gear

In today’s postmodern culture the meaning and image of true masculinity is seriously getting diluted, tainted, watered-down and completely lost. Unfortunately the narrative that’s being played out today is ‘boys in men’s bodies’ with only a few wanting to be men…but not exactly knowing how, while others remain nonchalant.

Wanted to share a collection of quotes that are some of my personal favorites to help you to kick your masculinity into gear!

Why Mentorship Is A Solution To A Fatherless Generation

I believe one of the most valuable tools a man can possess in walking out this adventure called life is a mentor.

Have you sought out a mentor to help you navigate your personal and professional spheres? Maybe you found your mentor at church, in a professional setting, during your first job search or perhaps it was when you transitioned careers. Either way — your mentor was that valuable compass that most likely provided much needed guidance helping you overcome challenges and life’s obstacles. And if you’re fortunate to link up with a solid mentor, they inspired you along the way.

I’ve been blessed to have had a handful of mentors that took the time to walk with me on my journey. Not seeing the value of a mentor early on in life, I wish I better understood that having someone older and wiser than me speaking into my life would have saved me from many pitfalls. Definitely would have helped me navigate the road of life better too.

I can count my life mentors on one hand and my most recent mentor helped me through some of the toughest trials of my life. He helped me walk out of some really tough circumstances, he helped me get my book out there and is always available to walk with me as a life coach if needed. Entering into a place of accountability with someone who you trust, who can share life experiences with and provide the much needed wisdom to navigate it — is invaluable.

The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.

—William Arthur Ward

Pause for a moment and consider your own need for a mentor at this place in your life. Many people I talk to, convince themselves that they can navigate life in their own strength and it’s sad to watch them stumble and fall. I’m not saying that a mentor will prevent all stumbling in your life, but they will definitely help you avoid some landmines along the way if you listen to them. I recommend mentors for men and women, but I’m speaking to the guys here because many boys have had fathers who were not involved or just absent. A boy without a compass is like an explorer without a map!

Consider the following story.

Why It’s Important For Guys To Act Like Men

With all the headlines about young men being confused about their sexual identity or masculinity, I think it’s time for men of God to rise up and model out authentic manhood. If you haven’t figured it out, there is an exploding subculture that is built on a foundation of accepting people who feel they cannot fit into the mainstream. Today’s culture, instead of being shaped by Jesus Christ, is being shaped by; hashtags, celebrity personalities, music, politics, do whatever you want, fill in the blank ________ that’s proving attractive to young adults.

Seems like every person has specific experiences and reasons for how their sexuality has developed. I still affirm to Scripture’s blueprint, which maintains that sexual identity except that of a heterosexual male or female is outside of God’s original intention and plan for human sexuality. The attack on manhood is on a steep trajectory and the message is clear that masculinity is a cultural cancer, unless you’re a woman pretending to be a man.

Ok, so in a world so confused with identity where do we start?

Men Your Words Have Power, So Speak Life To Your Kids

First things first men. How much time are you spending with your kids? Doing life with them, having fun, teaching them whats important and leaving a legacy? If you spend quality of time with your kids, awesome. If you don’t, you need to get your head out of your @$$ and start.

For most men we have our sights set on stuff such as; a house (and a vacation home), car, boat, money, climbing the corporate ladder, fill in the blank ________. Most of us don’t leave much room for things that really matter and our values become our kids values.

Ok guys, here’s a test. You’re walking on the beach and a genie bottle washed up onto the shore. Of course all your senses tell you it’s not real, but you rub the lamp anyways out of curiosity and out pops a genie. Here’s the catch…instead of three wishes, the genie only gives you one wish.

What do you wish for?

What Guardians Of The Galaxy Can Teach Us About Fatherhood

Quotes To Kick Your Masculinity Into Gear

Why Mentorship Is A Solution To A Fatherless Generation

Why It’s Important For Guys To Act Like Men

Men Your Words Have Power, So Speak Life To Your Kids

Favorite Quotes

Cool Scripture

Never Out Of The Fight!

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