Your Identity Comes From Your Father
The greatest challenge for men today, especially African American men who had no father figure in the home, is that they suffer from an identity crisis. They lack the nurturing influence of a true father to give them identity. An identity doesn't come from a gang, books or the government. It comes from a father. The only one who can give you your true identity as a man is a father. This fundamental principle is lacking in many of our cultures, and it's absence is the source of many social problems. It has been my experience and observation to take notice that a lot of churches have failed to be concerned about our young men in this area. Most young men are really running around looking for a father that they can't find. They are going to their friends and buddies looking for a father... I would like to say a "real man"...One that shows it in his mannerism and lifestyle. Not a religious man, but a man of the Kingdom. You can't discover who you are by looking to someone who doesn't know who he really is.
A man needs to be affirmed by a father in order to confirm his manhood. This is why so many young men, especially African American young men, yearn to hear their father say to them, "I love you, son. You are a man now." My heart bleeds watching young African American men not being taught how to live a victorious life in the Kingdom in this world. They are starving for a father's guidance. Sunday after Sunday, the situation remains the same.
Do you know why being Jewish carries such a strong identity? Jewish tradition, particularly in family relationships, has a very real sense of the "father spirit". This is rooted in a ceremony called bar mitzvah, in which a thirteen year old goes before the men and performs some prescribed traditional rites, after which the men say to him, "Now you are a man." From that day forward, that boy takes on a different spirit, for he is now a man. That's why Jewish communities are knitted so closely together and are so strong in business, tradition and culture.
You see, Jewish fathers tell and show their boys what it means to have the identity of a man. This cultural practice is embedded in their history, and can be traced back to biblical roots. This practice can also be found in many African and Eastern cultures where manhood is bestowed through a ritual.
Now please keep this in mind: If you haven't found your earthly father yet, God qualifies as your Father.
Constitution: John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.
Our young men today don't need another buddy, they need a father who will reinforce their identity!
A man needs to be affirmed by a father in order to confirm his manhood. This is why so many young men, especially African American young men, yearn to hear their father say to them, "I love you, son. You are a man now." My heart bleeds watching young African American men not being taught how to live a victorious life in the Kingdom in this world. They are starving for a father's guidance. Sunday after Sunday, the situation remains the same.
Do you know why being Jewish carries such a strong identity? Jewish tradition, particularly in family relationships, has a very real sense of the "father spirit". This is rooted in a ceremony called bar mitzvah, in which a thirteen year old goes before the men and performs some prescribed traditional rites, after which the men say to him, "Now you are a man." From that day forward, that boy takes on a different spirit, for he is now a man. That's why Jewish communities are knitted so closely together and are so strong in business, tradition and culture.
You see, Jewish fathers tell and show their boys what it means to have the identity of a man. This cultural practice is embedded in their history, and can be traced back to biblical roots. This practice can also be found in many African and Eastern cultures where manhood is bestowed through a ritual.
Now please keep this in mind: If you haven't found your earthly father yet, God qualifies as your Father.
Constitution: John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.
Our young men today don't need another buddy, they need a father who will reinforce their identity!
