Fighting Resignation

by Shawn Martin

there is much i could blog about today - having come off a particularly great weekend; a great evening out with co-workers, our high school football team remaining undefeated, my son winning his first game of the season, having dinner with some men from my small group, or that more men continue to sign up for the boot camp. This morning in court, something caught my attention and reminded me i hadn't yet posted the blog for today. i'm sensing that i should then write about that. i wish that it was something as positive as the weekends events. sadly, it's not.

case after case that i watch come through court is a clear picture of fathers' continued absence and passivity in the lives of their families. Continually abdicating their true selves. the 'anti-vision' of a familiar ministry: they've embraced passivity, denied responsibility, lead cowardly, and believe there's no greater reward.

this morning the parents were found to be actively using illegal substances and in eminent risk of losing custody of their children, immediately. the Judge, visibly angry, demanded a response from either parent as to why they deserved to have their children. the mother spoke. she sobbed. she pleaded for another chance to prove herself. the father? not a word. he simply stood there, trying to avoid eye contact.

being a man myself, i can identify with his plight. being called on the carpet. made aware of his failure. his inadequacy made public. being asked to present immediate evidence as to why he's worthy. to show he has what it takes (yikes! that feeling hits close to home doesn't it?). he chooses not to fight. refuses to defend his integrity or even to throw himself on the mercy of the court. he did something much worse... nothing.

he denied responsibility and embraced passivity. there was no fight in his eyes, only shame. i wonder if he feels there is anything worth fighting for. i see it in the men all around me, and in humble admission, within myself. the Father is in need of warriors.

men, there's little more than 2 weeks before the fall Boot Camp. it is very exciting. even as i'm writing this Bob called to say there may be some other men committing to attend. the numbers are slowly rising. i am excited for the encounter (i pray) men are about to have with the Father. the new found freedom they'll leave with. it won't get easier. in many ways the battle becomes harder. eyes will be opened to see life for what it really is. but it'll be through eyes of greater clarity, purpose, freedom, and fire.

Registration closes in THREE days men. it is our desire to see every man walking in this message. cultivating a relationship with the Father. finding their true selves from Him and living out of that truth, strength and courage. Battle. Adventure. Beauty. Eldredge reminds us, the story of our life is the long, sustained assault on our heart by the one who know what we can become... and FEARS us.

Please be in prayer for the Team over the next three weeks. that God would give us the words to speak, the wisdom to follow His leading, and that mens' hearts will be prepared and open to receive the life He longs for us to have.