“After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.” Nehemiah 4:14

I think if I were talking to a group of dads, this would be one of the verses I gave them to commit to memory. This was spoken by Nehemiah during the days of rebuilding, when all manner of attacks were coming against the people of Jerusalem. He was encouraging them to remember who God is, to see past what was against them and fight. Their time of rebuilding was not easy, but would serve generations to come. The work was to be completed regardless of the opposition. This had to resonate with who God had made them to be.

Times have not changed that much. Men are still men and battles rage against the family today. When a man pushes back against what culture is selling and goes the way of God, the way of truth, his family is different. They are not perfect and kids make their own decisions, but I find hope in this verse. Perhaps you see a call to action too.

I also see an important roll for women to play. We can cheer men on to be who they were created to be and not get in the way. We can let them lead and pray for them often. We are not always right. Who knows the impact we could have on the generations to come. I think they are worth fighting for.