Eagle LifeChurch | Experience Jesus

Helping People Experience Jesus in a Life-Changing Way

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • RSS
  • YouTube
  • Sunday, 10:30am
  • Contact
  • Give
  • Before You Visit
  • About
    • About ELC
    • Beliefs
    • Getting Involved
    • Vision – Sermon Series
    • Leadership Team
    • Pastors Brad & Lori Murphy
    • Following Jesus
    • Water Baptism
    • Contact
  • Ministries
  • LifeGroups
  • Events
  • Missions & Outreach
  • Sermons
    • DAVID: A Man After God’s Own Heart
    • More to the Story Series
    • Soar Like a Saguaro
    • Living Hope Series
    • 40 Days of Faith Series
    • Sermon Series Archive
      • Malachi: Return to Me Series
      • Christmas Together Series
      • Everyday Saints Series
      • FOCUS: Vision for Life Series
      • Dear, Church Series
      • Torn Veil Series
      • Exodus Series
      • Honest Prayers Series
      • The Gifts of Christmas Series
      • Fall Back to Jesus Series
      • Ready, Set, Grow! Series
      • Breakthrough Series
      • Heal Our Land Series
      • The Facets of Christmas Series
      • Joshua | The Promise You Can Trust
      • Filled with the Spirit
    • Individual Sermons – Not In A Series

Best Way to Change the World | A Manifesto for Men

October 9, 2013 by Brad Murphy

This whole blogging thing is hard for me.  I was born during the time between generations.  The generation before me valued excellence and edited thoughts.  Articles were written, re-written, edited, condensed, and edited again.  The generation after me values unedited, spontaneous thoughts.  The Twitter and Facebook generation just wants to know what you are thinking or doing, right now.

Well, here is what I’ve been thinking about today.  And I have already forgiven myself for not over editing this.

I Have a Friend

He is a twenty year-old man.  This has been a hard week for him.  The car he’s been loaned broke down, and then was stolen.  Yes, the thieves towed it away while he slept.  Without a car, he is in jeopardy of losing his job.  Tomorrow, he has a court hearing for a moving violation and an accident he had, in another borrowed car, earlier this year.  At the end of the month, the friends he’s been living with are moving out.  He can’t pay the lease, so he’s homeless.

The more time I spend with my friend, and others like him, the more I realize the truth behind the numbers.  The numbers represent lives.  Our culture – the ones who lead from organized, well written, over edited, and condensed one-liners – are focused on the numbers.  We want lower crime rates, fewer murders, less drugs, and more hard working people who pay taxes.  The problem is you don’t solve problems or change the world by manipulating numbers.

Here are the Numbers

  • 43% of US children live without their father [US Department of Census]
  • 90% of homeless and runaway children are from fatherless homes. [US D.H.H.S., Bureau of the Census]
  • 80% of rapists motivated with displaced anger come from fatherless homes. [Criminal Justice & Behaviour, Vol 14, pp. 403-26, 1978]
  • 71% of pregnant teenagers lack a father. [U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release, Friday, March 26, 1999]
  • 63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes. [US D.H.H.S., Bureau of the Census]
  • 85% of children who exhibit behavioral disorders come from fatherless homes. [Center for Disease Control]
  • 90% of adolescent repeat arsonists live with only their mother. [Wray Herbert, “Dousing the Kindlers,” Psychology Today, January, 1985, p. 28]
  • 71% of high school dropouts come from fatherless homes. [National Principals Association Report on the State of High Schools]
  • 75% of adolescent patients in chemical abuse centers come from fatherless homes. [Rainbows f for all God’s Children]
  • 70% of juveniles in state operated institutions have no father. [US Department of Justice, Special Report, Sept. 1988]
  • 85% of youths in prisons grew up in a fatherless home. [Fulton County Georgia jail populations, Texas Department of Corrections, 1992]
  • Fatherless boys and girls are: twice as likely to drop out of high school; twice as likely to end up in jail; four times more likely to need help for emotional or behavioral problems. [US D.H.H.S. news release, March 26, 1999]

– Taken from http://thefatherlessgeneration.wordpress.com/statistics/ accessed 10/9/13

What Problem Do the Numbers Reveal?

Our prisons and graves, our drug houses and homeless shelters are full of boys living in men’s bodies.  These young people have grown up abandoned and alone.

My friend needs a car and a place to live.  But what my friend, and thousands like him, really need is a father.

My friend grew up with a dead beat dad, who was strung out on alcohol and drugs.  The only time dad was around was to beat him.  Once he brandished a gun threatening to shoot his own son.  This is why he can’t go home.

His sister’s life is a wreak.  She works under the table and doesn’t have a bank account because she doesn’t trust anyone.  The only reason she isn’t still a stripper is because of the effect the STDs, infections, and drugs have had on her body.

You want to change the numbers.  You want America to be safe.  You want your neighborhood free of crime.  You want to read the newspaper, hunt, and enjoy your life.  But you can’t because the numbers scare you.  So, you fight over politics.  You post angry status updates on Facebook and by passing judgment on these abandoned kids you further stoke their mistrust of adults. 

The best way to change the world…
is to PARENT A CHILD.

He may be 10.  He may be 40.  He may be employed or he may be homeless.  He may be tough.  He may be shy.  What all these boys in grown up bodies need, is a DAD.

If you are a dad, please know that your greatest achievement, your most powerful influence on America and on our world is to parent your children.  If you are not a dad, then become one.  I know that you’ve been hurt too.  I know that your own dad didn’t treat you very well.

It’s time to let that go, suck it up, and become the kind of Dad you wish you had.  You can’t change the numbers, but you can change a life.

Become a Dad who loves like the Father of all Fatherhood.  Become a father who doesn’t provoke his son to anger.  Become a dad who loves his children; who is willing to put down the paper, to take your kids on the hunting trip, and to enjoy their life.  You’ll find that your greatest pleasure will come when you realize that your kids aren’t in the numbers.

Let me know what you think (about the thoughts in the post, not my lack of editing).  Why aren’t men stepping up the plate and parenting their children?  How can we encourage each other to man up?  As men, how can we father other people’s children?

Can you pray for my friend?  He is struggling.  But he and I are both thankful for men in our church who are stepping up and helping him follow the path God has for him.

 

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Life Lessons, fatherhood, change the world, dad, parenting, crime

Recent Posts & Sermons

  • God Looks at the Heart
  • Is That Your Final Answer?
  • Who Are You?
  • Are You Ready?
  • Are You Coming?

@eaglelifechurch

eaglelifechurch

Helping People EXPERIENCE JESUS in a Life-Changing Way.
Sunday, 10:30am.
@elc.youth @elc.ladies @elc.men
#eagleidaho #eaglelife #eaglelifechurch

Eagle LifeChurch - Eagle, ID
I want S'MORE PLEASE. We had a fun time Friday ni I want S'MORE PLEASE.

We had a fun time Friday night around the fire. Thanks everyone for coming out!

#eagleidaho #churchfamily #community #helpingpeople
Instagram post 17994236459054550 Instagram post 17994236459054550
You are invited to S'more Please firepit night Fri You are invited to S'more Please firepit night Friday.  Bring a lawn chair & games, we'll provide the snacks!

eaglelifechurch.org/events/
We are gonna walk through the life of David this f We are gonna walk through the life of David this fall.  You may want to start reading 1 and 2 Samuel before we start Sept. 10 at 10:30am.
What's your favorite Game Show, and why would you What's your favorite Game Show, and why would you want to be on it?
(This may or may not be sermon preparation for Sunday.)
What's your favorite ice cream topping? Lets us k What's your favorite ice cream topping?

Lets us know for next Sunday.
Great day at the range with @elc.men ! Arm yourse Great day at the range with @elc.men !

Arm yourselves with the WORD OF GOD.
It's SUNDAY, which means we get to see you!! Come It's SUNDAY, which means we get to see you!! Come worship with us at 10:30am!

 #ExperienceJesus #buildcommunity #eagleidaho #EagleLifeChurch
As summer comes to an end, there are even more opp As summer comes to an end, there are even more opportunities to get involved and serve at ELC! You can join us for Wednesday Family Nights starting in September, become a youth leader on Tuesday nights, teach in LifeKids on Sunday mornings, or join the worship team - just to name a few! Learn more at eaglelifechurch.org/getting-involved
Make a public commitment of your faith through wat Make a public commitment of your faith through water baptisms THIS MONTH!! To learn more and sign up, text BAPTISM to (208) 352-6002 or visit eaglelifechurch.org/about/water-baptism
Why do we forgive? "The first and most important Why do we forgive? 
"The first and most important thing we need to know about forgiveness is that the goal is to win our brother to the truth. Our goal is to win the person who's hurt us, who's sinned against us, who's offended us. Our goal is to win them to God." 
- Pastor Brad

 #EagleLifeChurch #eaglelife #helpingpeople #ExperienceJesus
STOP and pray for someone close to you. Don't scro STOP and pray for someone close to you. Don't scroll for at least 30 seconds.

Then tag the person below or let us know how we can join you in prayer for them!

 #ExperienceJesus #community #buildcommunity #helpingpeople #prayforeagle #EagleLifeChurch #eagleidaho #eaglelife
Happy Saturday! We can't wait to welcome YOU at ch Happy Saturday! We can't wait to welcome YOU at church tomorrow! Worship with us in person or online at 10:30am!
Tonight is THE NIGHT!! Join us at 6pm at Guerber P Tonight is THE NIGHT!! Join us at 6pm at Guerber Park for another church picnic! Which Italian soda flavor will help you win lawn checkers tonight?
It's Sunday!! Prepare your hearts for what God is It's Sunday!! Prepare your hearts for what God is going to speak to you this morning, as Pastor Brad brings a message about the Heart of Man.
We're still thinking about how much fun we had on We're still thinking about how much fun we had on Father's Day! #throwbackthursday
Gentlemen! You'll love the camaraderie and brother Gentlemen! You'll love the camaraderie and brotherhood you'll experience at MEN'S BOWLING NIGHT. Let's fill Big Al's for the glory of God this Friday!

PRIZES | DINNER BUFFET | HIGH SCORE AWARD | ENCOURAGEMENT | MORE...

Text BOWL to (208) 352-6002
What's your favorite memory from last month's Summ What's your favorite memory from last month's Summer Picnic? Cornhole? Cotton candy? Splash pad? Bump?

July 19 we are at it again at Guerber Park, 6-9pm! This month it is Iced Drinks and Table Games (we will have a chess and checkers tournament). Bring your favorite and invite someone to play.
Here are TEN FUN highlights from TWO JESUS-PACKED Here are TEN FUN highlights from TWO JESUS-PACKED weeks our @elc.youth and @elc.kids got to experience at camp!

 #helpingpeople #ExperienceJesus #buildcommunity #EagleLifeChurch
Men's Bowling Night Summer 2023 Men's Bowling Night Summer 2023
Load More Follow on Instagram

Sermon Series

  • DAVID: A Man After God's Own Heart (1)
  • More to the Story (13)
  • Living Hope (8)
  • 40 Days of Faith (7)
  • Malachi: Return to Me (7)
  • Christmas Together (4)
  • Everyday Saints (9)
  • FOCUS: Vision for Life (6)
  • Dear, Church 2022 (8)
  • Torn Veil (8)
  • Exodus 2022 (5)
  • Honest Prayers (8)
  • The Gifts of Christmas (6)
  • Fall Back to Jesus (12)
  • Ready, Set, Grow! 2021 (11)
  • Breakthrough 2021 (8)
  • Heal Our Land 2021 (13)
  • The Facets of Christmas (5)
  • God's Call to Missions (4)
  • Joshua | The Promise You Can Trust (16)
  • That Christmas Feeling (7)
  • Empowered Living (3)
  • Foc|US: Vision for Life (4)
  • Infuse | Galatians 5:22-24 (9)

About Us

Helping People Experience Jesus in a Life-Changing Way We are here for the brokenhearted, the lonely, the sick, the weary, for those who need forgiveness. Here, marriages are restored, relationships are mended, the sick are made well, and strength is renewed. We are here to help … Read More »

Our Team

These staff & leaders make our vision of Helping People Experience Jesus in a Life-Changing Way possible.  Some are on paid staff, some … Read More »

Site Map

  • Connect
  • Hello Idaho
  • Job Opportunities
  • Kingdom Builders
  • Prayer
  • Sunday, 10:30am
  • Before You Visit
  • Ministries
  • LifeGroups
  • Community Special Events
  • Missions & Outreach
  • About
    • Animal Policy
    • Contact
    • Getting Involved
    • Leadership Team
    • Pastors Brad & Lori Murphy
    • RightNow Media
    • Vision
    • We Believe
    • Following Jesus
    • Water Baptism
  • Churchteams Login

Recent Posts & Sermons

  • God Looks at the Heart September 10, 2023
  • Is That Your Final Answer? September 3, 2023
  • Who Are You? August 27, 2023
  • Are You Ready? August 20, 2023
  • Are You Coming? August 13, 2023
  • Are You Using Your Talents? August 13, 2023
  • How Are You Praying? July 30, 2023
  • Are You Forgiving Others? July 23, 2023
  • What’s Coming Out of You? July 16, 2023
  • Where is Your Treasure? July 9, 2023

Contact Us

Text: 208-352-6002
Call: 208-938-9280
3838 W. Floating Feather Rd.
Eagle, ID 83616
info@eaglelifechurch.org

Follow Us Online

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • RSS
  • YouTube

Give Securely Now

GIVE NOW

Copyright © 2023 · Outreach Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in