Christian Foundations
DEVOTIONAL ARCHIVE
by Dennis and Barbara Rainey
As much as children need love from a dad, they also need a dad who is a warrior, involved in the battles they face every day. I was enjoying the Barcelona Olympics when I observed a father-son scene I will never forget. Derek Redmond of Great Britain had trained for the Olympic 400-meter run for years. After the Seoul Olympics, he had five operations on both Achilles' tendons, but he bounced back. Now he was running well, and competing in the Olympic semifinals.
Halfway around the track, however, Derek's right hamstring gave way. He fell to the track, sprawled across the fifth lane. The television cameras focused on defending Olympic champion Steve Lewis as he won the race and headed toward the tunnel.
Then, suddenly, Derek got to his feet and began hobbling around the track. He was determined to finish the race.
Derek's dad, Jim Redmond, sitting high in the stands at Olympic Stadium, saw his son collapse. The 49-year-old machine shop owner from Northampton, England, ran down the steps and onto the track. All he knew was his son needed help.
The crowd realized that Derek Redmond was running the race of his life. Around the stands, and around the world, fans stood and honored him with cheers. At the final turn, Jim Redmond caught up to his son and put his arm around him. When Derek saw who it was, he leaned on his dad's right shoulder and sobbed. An usher attempted to intercede and escort Jim Redmond off the track, but his efforts were futile.
They crossed the finish line, father and son, arm in arm.
If you and I as dads will become involved that heroically in the lives of our children, we will be successful as men.
Ask God to show you specific ways you can be involved in the battles your children face.
Discuss: In what areas do you children need your help and encouragement?
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