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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…

Moms, You’re Holding On Too Tight!

Unfortunately we live in a time where the “accepted normal” is kids having to grow up in a fractured family due to divorce or without fathers who are active in their lives and often the heavy lifting is unfairly burdened on the mothers. The other unintended consequence of this trend is the dilemma of weak or emasculated men reaching epidemic proportions in society…where many are asking, “where have all the men gone?”

Because of this, I’ve noticed that mothers are becoming more over protective and controlling of their sons, which is causing significant tension when it comes time for them to stretch their wings and leave the nest. The other dynamic that’s rearing its ugly head is these sons are finding it harder to cleave to their wives and step up to lead in their homes. Too often I talk to men who cannot make decisions for themselves or their families, have no real direction or plan for their life, choose a path of passivity and are paralyzed of their future. They are carrying a broken compass and have absolutely no mission in life!

When you dig deeper into these issues, you can often connect the dots to not having a fully present father figure in their lives and/or a mother who never allowed her son the opportunity to stop being her “little boy”. Of course a mother’s efforts are well intended, but they unknowingly stand in the way of their son’s father (or father figure) ability to provide a path for them to become men by keeping their “little boys” under their constant protection and control.

To all the mothers out there who doing much of the heavy lifting these days…

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.

31 Specific Prayers for Your Children

Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. —1 Corinthians 16:13

For Dad (or Mom), here is a prayer list you can use to pray for your kids!

1) Pray that your child will come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

2) Pray that your child will have a healthy fear of the Lord.

3) Pray that your child will have a heart for the lost.

4) Pray that your child will love obedience.

What Guardians Of The Galaxy Can Teach Us About Fatherhood

Moms, You’re Holding On Too Tight!

Quotes To Kick Your Masculinity Into Gear

Why Mentorship Is A Solution To A Fatherless Generation

31 Specific Prayers for Your Children

Favorite Quotes

Cool Scripture

Never Out Of The Fight!

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