Real men
cry. Sometimes there's no way around it. There's no other manly way to respond
to loss, grief and pain. But after the tears, life goes on. Pastor Dave
Bruskas, experienced a loss that require tears, and has shared his heart with
us in Dear Son: A Father's Advice on
Being a Man.(Tyndale House, 2104)
Two
decades ago Bruskas lost a son, an infant son who had just turned 2 months old.
This son is still very much a part of his heart and his life, and the letters
he writes to David, show that love. But this is so much more than a quick note
on a birthday, they are poignant reminders that this child is still very much a
part of the family. The letters are filled with detail about sisters, parents,
grandparents, and important life events that David couldn't be there for.
The letters are much more than
personal notes to his young son. Bruskas didn't harden his heart because of his
loss, and he became a spiritual father to several young men in the churches
where he served as Pastor.
This book is a dad teaching his son
how to be a man, how to grow into the man that grows in wisdom and stature and
favor with God and man (Luke 2:52).
Bruskas didn’t have the opportunity to teach these things to his own
son, but over the years he became like Paul to young men like Timothy: a spiritual father
to a young man who needed someone to be there for him, to set an example and to
teach him how to be a godly man.
And in a society which seems to
encourage young males to 'strut their stuff' but forgets that they are supposed
to grow up and become men rather than just adult males, there is a tremendous
need for godly men to step up and 'father' young men.
Bruskas offers advice to his son for
each stage of a man's life- how to be a Christian; how to be a son, brother,
young man, husband and father; how to be a vessel that pours out God's love; and even how to be a mortal, and
die as a godly man.
I liked this book - a lot. The letters to infant David are
touching (yes I cried) and the wisdom provided to young males on their way to
manhood is stuff that needs to be taught. (and for those who already know it,
it's a good reminder.
Men can make an impact in the lives
of 'fatherless sons'. Bruskas teaches us how!
I received a copy of the book in
exchange for a review. I was not required to write a positive review.
5/5
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