In sharing these burdens, we can not only find help, but we can help others. We can take part of that weight by either being a mentor for them, or mentored by them.
The number of dads at the retreat really surprised me and the level of sharing of experiences and situations allowed me to understand that I am not alone. We are not alone. Just knowing that empowers me to continue to breathe easier. I can better understand some of the behaviors at home and I can come up with better ideas on what to do.
Brothers, we need fellow men beside us to help us in these trenches. Brothers, strangers, friends or whoever, we need to be able to call on them in our own time of need. We need to be willing to ask for help and to go when someone asks us. And to go and help in a non condescending, know-it-all kind of way, but with compassion and love.
Before this trip I thought I was alone. Yes my wife was with me but I felt that I needed to the the stoic wall that never swayed too far left or right. I learned that doing that was making matters worse. While I was on this trip I found a group of men that I can confide in, gain wisdom from and fight this fight with. And they felt the same way that I did. I was able to ask questions about their journey and they were able to give some perspective to mine. I can call or message and just see how they are doing with their families. It is wonderful to know that we are not alone. We cannot do this alone.
God has really been placing on my heart to create a ministry to support foster and adoptive dads. Because we need help and we need to know that we are not alone. My wife and I really want to minister together and I think that this is the way. So prayers please as we jump down into the trenches, to help others along their way.
Stay tuned.
