Bruce shared with me something that clearly was coming from his heart; the idea of father figures. Bruce works with a lot of young, impressionable men.
Question - Who is standing as a father figure for these guys, and the many others in our communities?
When we look at our society today we can see many issues; crime, unemployment, poor living conditions etc etc. We hear these issues reported on our news programs, for some we have even experienced, first-hand the negative outcome of such issues.
Question - Should we just sit back and complain, should we sit back and wait for others to address the issues?
Clearly the answer is NO!
We can all get on board and try to do something to turn things around.
One thing I want to highlight in this post is the whole idea of father figures.
Not every young man out there, in everyday life, has a positive role model, mentor figure in their life. Even those who still have their biological father or other family members like uncles don't always have a real positive father figure in whom they can learn from and turn too. I think this is where, for many young guys, things start to fall apart!
But change, even for those who have turned to crime is possible; just ask guys like Bruce who works with young offenders.
What we need is men who can act as a father figure, mentor to the next generation. This was something that I think past generations were often pretty good at. But it's something we, in today's world have, dare I say, forgotten about. We need men who can first set good examples; this needs to be in every area of life including family, work and their social lives. From there we need men who will make time to invest in the next generation and guide them as they grow into the men of tomorrow.
I'm a Christian, so from my stand point I would say that such father figures need to know God as Lord and Saviour. From such a relationship life can be lived the right way and the positive example needed can be lived out. But actually let's not limit this idea to the Christian church. Men today, regardless of religious beliefs need to live life right, and as they do, they can in turn be the example setters for the next generation.
Okay, so maybe I tweaked your interest. What does being a father figure to the next generation entail?
Well I've already mentioned setting the right example, but if you can give more you will help more. We need guys who are able to come alongside young guys, not to judge them but to walk with them through those formative years. We need guys who will make themselves available to young men as a listening ear and as a help in times of trouble. We need men who recognise that they themselves have had positive things like morals, practical skills and so on invested into them, and they now can invest such experience into the next generation.
There is much more that can be shared and I invite you to comment on this post if I can help you or encourage you further.
If like me you see the importance of such father figures, mentors in society and you want to get on board, take a look at those young guys already known to you. Is there anyone you can befriend, (A piece of advice here; don't force things and speak to any parents involved before making your approach). Another way to offer yourself as a father figure or mentor is to talk to your local church leaders. They should be able to advice you and point you in the right direction.
I would also like to make myself available to you. If you leave me a contact email or phone number I will contact you and help to put you in touch with the right people.
Before I close this post, let me say to any young man who reads this who feels they have no such positive figure in their lives, there are guys like Bruce, like me, who care. Please speak to the right people and let them help you as you go on with your life, (the comment part of this post is for you too).
Thanks for reading.
Location:Jeffreys Bay
