Go see COURAGEOUS

I was just reading a very interesting book called "Only one Mommy" by Rena M. Lindevaldsen, Esq.  She cites http://www.lifecoaches.org/Web/Reaserach.asp finding that 72% of adolescent murderers grew up without fathers, 70% of juveniles in state-operated reform institutions grew up without fathers, and 85% of all youth in prison came from fatherless homes. 

I read this book just after watching the movie "Courageous". We got it out of Redbox for $1 a night (THANK YOU RED BOX!) it was PG-13. There wasn't a word of profanity or sex...BUT a lot of gang violence..some very disturbing (I'd skip the initiation scene if you have kids at home it will make your mommy heart agonize!) 

ANYWAY, Just this weekend I saw the movie, and read the book and I just have to say that you don't need research to know that a GOOD FATHER makes all the difference for good in a child's life.  I am so grateful to my father who rose above the horrible example of his abusive alcoholic father and became a father who was loving and supportive. He taught me a lot about loving people, I was amazed as he forgave and loved his own dad, and he was good about being compassionate to everyone from every walk of life. "EVERYONE is a child of God and is worth loving- even your enemies" that's what my dad taught me. 

My husband and I are striving to teach our teenaged daughters that when they date guys they need to look at the BIG picture. They are not only looking for a good husband, but a good father for their future children. Their dating standards need to start now to screen out those young men who do not have good work ethics, patience, self-dicipline, and love and respect for others.  It's not all about who is cute!  Their criteria for who they date needs to include characteristics that make a GOOD FATHER...after this movie...they're thinking about it.