Happy Fathers Day

Besides my dad, I had many, many father figures in my life.

Rich Nelson.  The Royal Ranger Commander (that's kind of like boy scouts in a way) who showed interest in me as a kid.

Glenn Trusty and Darryl Billingsly, youth pastors, who invested in my life profoundly.

Tom Gotcher - a senior pastor who saw more in me than I saw in myself.

Ed Lawrence - my college professor who would listen to me ramble on about stuff, but welcomed me into his home and life.

Psalm 71:18 So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.

There is a heritage of wisdom and faith that must be passed down from generation to generation.  For thousands of years, it was by word of mouth.  Then mankind started writing it down.  Now we Youtube it.  

But the best way is still through friendship.  Deep, valuable and long-term friendships.  So what can you do to be a mentor/leader in someone's life? 

Be trustworthy.  If someone can't trust you, they will never learn from you. 

Admit your imperfections.  You're not trying to create little copies of yourself.  So don't try to be perfect.  

Have integrity.  Like trustworthiness, but make sure what you do in secret isn't something that your mentorees would be ashamed of. 

Demand servant leadership from yourself.  Put others before yourself.  

I just want to say thank you to the men who invested their faith into my life.  

PRAY:  Dear Jesus, help me to invest my life in the next generation.  AMEN