One rainy, autumn afternoon, a young boy was riding with his family to visit his grandma in a remote part of West Tennessee.

 His father looked at him through the rear view mirror and said, “Son, you are the only man child that can carry on my name. My brothers all had girls and my sister’s name changed in marriage. Without you, the name dies.” 

Talk about a heavy charge on the way to eat grandma’s home-cooked meal. The young boy didn’t know how to respond to the mantle that was being placed on him by his father. All he could think was, “Wow, I’m special.”

Needless to say, before the young boy was born, his father would scream throughout the house to his reluctant wife of two daughters, “I want a boy!!!”  This young boy grew up under the shadow of his father’s wisdom, knowledge and love, and saw himself in a different light; not in pride or conceit, but with a sense of honor. There was something about sharing his father’s name that somehow empowered him.

He understood that what he did was connected to his family’s reputation and that he was not to compromise doing what is right by taking things lightly. The father in this story is my “Pops” and I was that little boy. I consider my father’s charge to me as a great blessing. 

Recently, I learned that my wife and I are expecting, and guess what? IT’S A BOY! What a joy! I am so grateful to pass on to him the wisdom from his grandfather.

Fathers, be sure to teach your children that there is something special about their family’s name. Teach them to understand that when they achieve, the entire family is lifted up.  But also instruct them that when they make irresponsible choices, it not only reflects on them as individuals but the character of their namesake and the entire family.

 My father reinforced my namesake to me and in turn challenged me to be a Man of Honor. I plan to do the same for my son.