In the Rio Grande Valley, 40% of kids will be born into father-less homes. Other statistics suggest that a larger number of kids will be brought up in a home dominant in machismo culture. 

Amigos, we are in a shortage of men. Men who not only lead out of humility, but biblical conviction.

We need men who are actively answering the call of fatherhood who, despite the circumstance or odds, face the pleasant adversity of raising their kids.

We need men who will lead by serving and demonstrating sacrifice because I promise you, someone is always watching.

The Reality of the Call

My alarm went off at 5:30 in the morning. I got out of bed and walked to my office to sit and read when it hit me: my wife and son are in bed, warm and cozy and it is my responsibility to protect them.

When I became a husband and father, I didn't have time to sit and evaluate the reality of the decision and covenant I had made. It was done. My job had become to actively lead, love, and protect.

Adoption

My biggest encouragement came from Jesus.

There is nothing I could do to become His and nothing I can do to un-become His. Jesus chose me, died for me, and adopted me because of His merit, not mine.

I have chosen Seth, my son, despite any good or bad, fail or success. I have chosen Him and adopted him into my line and there is nothing he can ever do to undo that; all because I love him.

Fear is real. And it sucks. But I implore you and I challenge you to face the fear of being a father. It's not easy, I understand. But our call, as men, on what must be done is much greater than how we feel.