To Be a Father: 200 Promises That Will Transform You, Your Marriage, And Your Family

by Stephen Gabriel

Fatherhood in the twenty-first century is not for the faint-hearted, but it isn’t rocket science and there aren’t any tricks. A new book by a seasoned father shows that any man with common sense, an unwavering focus on his goal, and the willingness to struggle can raise a great family. To Be a Father challenges men to make the demanding commitments that will transform their family lives and themselves.Challenging men to a life of service to their families, Stephen Gabriel proposes a set of commitments for those who are serious about their vocation to be a father. These promises—to one’s wife, to one’s children, and to oneself—are demanding, and many of them require a lifetime of struggle. The man who makes these promises and tries to keep them, however, will improve his relationship with his family and with God.In an age when manhood itself is in question and countless men have never known a father of their own, reflection on what it takes to be a father is indispensable. To Be a Father is the compass a man needs to navigate the tricky waters of fatherhood, helping him grow in the spirit of service and leadership grounded in virtue.

115 pages, Paperback

First published September 30, 2006

Reviews

[Steven R. McEvoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somehow this books slipped through the cracks. It ended up in a pile with prayer cards, prayers books and little Catholic spiritual pamphlets a few years back. I do not even actually remembering getting the book. But a few weeks back I came across it while cleaning up my book shelves. And I can only state that it is an amazing little volume. The sections in the book are:

Promises to My Wife
Our Romance
Our Family

Promises to My Children
On Religion
On Discipline
On Family Living

Promises to Myself
My Spiritual life
My Family Life
My Friends and Community

Books like this have been around for years, and one of the most popular for a long time was Life's Little Instruction Book by H. Jackson Brown but what makes this volume so amazing is the clearly Christian focus, and the humility in some of the promises. My only real regret is that there is not an ebook version available so I could always have a copy with me to read 1 or 2 a day as reminders.

Examples of some of the promises are:
#15 "I will try and listen attentively even when I don't really feel like it."

#42 "I will choose to forgo some of my interests, allowing more time for you and our family."

#85 "I will try to explain why I say no."

#113 "I will teach you that in many matters you must be different."

#172 "I will pray for the virtues; wisdom, fortitude, patience."

This was a wonderful little book. I have read through it three times now. And know it will be a companion for yours to come.

Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.