Words of Inspiration
Tidbits from a Father
I remember the sheer terror associated with the idea of becoming a father. Looking back, especially with my knowledge of developmental psychology, no wonder I was fearful. There seems to be a cultural assault on this fundamental building block of the nuclear family. I cannot help but wonder if this is why we see so many social woes in our current social structure.
The other day, I watched Toy Story 4 with my children. Woody and Buzz became antagonists, acting weak, dependent, and almost comedic while bolstering the emergent super-sized ego of the new femme fatal of Beau. As always, Hollywood used the oppression of one set of characters to promote the amplification of others. But is this division truly the answer, or just fuel for the raging fire of division we see all around us.
As a father of two boys, I know they require my utmost belief in their capacity to realize their dreams. I do not teach them they are above others. Nor will I assume the role of being a tyrant, forcing them to think of themselves as being less than others. I chose to raise men, not weeds that will blow over with the first feisty gust “the winds of change” will send their way. Instead, they should plant their roots deep. They should realize the brevity of their dreams as they aspire to the life-giving force of the sun, the nurturer of all dreams unfolded. By keeping their feet rooted in the foundation of values my wife and I give our children, I know certainty will bless the life they see fit to create.
Maybe it is time to return to a more straightforward truth. Caring fathers and mothers unite and let us see what wonders we can do for our children through a bit of faith, hope, and of course, belief in the outcome we are charged with creating. While this may sound regressive, progress without foundation cannot sustain itself, just as a tree with no roots can aspire towards its life-giving force.
Namaste, my friends. May blessings find you on your path to advance confidently in the direction of your dreams.
This is a very heart touching post, Dr. Maples. And I agree with you about Toy Story 4 as I saw it and thought the same thing. Sadly, we have a media and other people in power that sow division between men and women using the term, “toxic masculinity” and it’s a bogus term. And Hollywood is a part of it and it’s not fair to promote one group by diminishing another.
Now, this is not to say that there aren’t men out there who are toxic and abusive because there are, but not all men objectify women. There are truly some good men out there. My father was one and also my husband, as are other men in my family. I am fortunate to have been raised in a family of great men and I thank God for it. Thank you so much for posting.
Beautifully said. When we globalize minute constructs into blanket ideologies, we create isms. That is something that should be avoided at all levels. Good women and good men will turn the tide of oppression we see coming from multiple angles. Thank you for sharing!
You’re most welcome. 😊