A Father of Boys: Love For Them, and For My Country

As a father of boys, I felt an obligation to train and guide them in the way of manhood. I know the importance to a family, to a neighborhood, to a society, and to a nation that a man brings- much more, the elevating influence that a noble, moral integrous man can have. Needless to say, that kind of a man brings a stabilizing effect in a community or neighborhood.

These traits do not automatically come about. They are cultivated.

Over time, I recognized that these traits were becoming incrementally undervalued cognitively by our schools and culture.  I realized that most were not intentionally rejecting them; rather, they seemed apparently unaware of their erosion.

As pop culture and entertainment media became more influential, I witnessed an outright assault taking place. In discussions with parents of public-school students, this onslaught was only further confirmed. The principles that were once bedrock for our society were under attack.

There were lies being perpetuated regarding many traditional values and principles. Undoubtedly, they were being misrepresented. New, more “progressive” ideals were being touted with intimidation. Public schools were taking a turn into a direction with which I did not agree.

In light of this, I was convinced that placing my sons in the traditional school system would not have a good end result in their lives. As the leader of my home, I felt (to a large extent) responsible for my sons and their outcome. Also, I believed it was an obligation to my fellow man that I cultivate morally upstanding sons who would have a productive and healthful influence on society and its culture.

Contrary to what a large segment of society promotes, morals have consequences. To ignore the factors behind the degradation of the stability, peace and harmony that once was enjoyed by our nation in the not too recent past, would be an atrocity.

In a nurturing homeschooling environment, I could more closely walk with my boys throughout the most critical formative years of their lives. Having my own painting business, I had the privilege of taking them to work with me.  To the best of my ability, I modeled a hard work ethic, and business integrity. In addition to learning necessary handy work skills, I desired to teach them to do all their work with excellence.  By my example, I tried to show them first-hand how to treat and value clients.  And, not being perfect, there were many opportunities to model how to make things right when I blew it.

Quite some time ago, I read an inspiring quote that resonated with me:

“The greatest want of the world is the want of men—men who will not be bought or sold, men who in their inmost souls are true and honest, men who do not fear to call sin by its right name, men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole, men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall.

But such a character is not the result of accident; it is not due to special favors or endowments of Providence. A noble character is the result of self-discipline …and the surrender of self for the service of love to God and man.”

That being said, my decision to homeschool was not only for my wonderful sons’ well being but also for my neighborhood and my country.