We here at Unshakable Girl are wholly committed to pursuing Jesus even if, often, it may mean that we stand alone. However, by the grace of God, He has not made us to be loners, or to live out our lives in a secluded cabin in the woods.  This Father’s Day, we wanted to take the time to recognize a few of the godly men in our lives who have stood in the gap and been an encouragement to us as fathers, brothers, and friends. ALSO, we want to encourage you in two ways: 1) that there ARE godly men out there (really! truly!), and 2) when you see a godly, wise, or chivalrous man — or even just a man who is TRYING to do what is right — recognize it. Encourage him! Don’t let his efforts go un-noticed. There are so few godly gentlemen today, that every effort towards godliness and gentlemanliness is well worth applauding and encouraging.

Stephanie

I have been blessed over the past two years to work with one of the most humble and patient men I have ever met.  He manages to balance being a teacher, minister, student, and father, yet still makes the time for prayer and a Scriptural pep-talk when anyone needs it.  His patience and wisdom are what most inspire me.  I have a strong-willed streak, and can be very critical, so being able to see him approach conflict with respect, humility, and a level head has taught me that Christlike meekness is possible in the midst of very real problems.  As a leader, he takes full responsibility for those around him.  I have already learned so much from this colleague who has become a brother and a friend, but I pray that I will grow to be as wise and humble a leader as he has proven to be.

I am also very grateful for the big brother God has given me, who is now raising a family of his own to love and follow Jesus.  He has always been someone I could admire and trust to look out for me.  Now that we’re grown up, I know that I can go to him with any problem to get some perspective and sound godly advice.   It has also been a blessing as I grow closer to the Lord, to watch where God is leading him as he puts his trust in the Lord too.  My brother has always been iron to sharpen my iron in so many different ways, and I love being able to share life with him.

Tai Sophia

It is hard to express just how much my dad has meant to me over the years…and yet, it is hard to speak only of my dad, and exclude my husband, who is my dearest friend, and one of the best dads I’ve ever known. Therefore, I will pick two qualities from each of them to share with you:

My dad was SUCH an encouragement to me growing up. Yes, he was human and of course he made mistakes. But actually, one of the things I appreciated most about him, was that I can remember many times when he would gather us together as a family, and would repent for the ways he had failed in leading us, or in seeking the Lord, or whatever it was that God had spoken to him about. And he did so much to *try* to lead our family in doing what was right — and I greatly regret making his efforts so difficult for him sometimes, and not appreciating it when he tried leading us in family devotions, or family worship. But I so appreciated his humility, and his willingness to always look at his own faults square in the face, and learn and grow. He always took criticism (constructive or otherwise) with no pride, no denial, just always quietly listening…and then, he would go pray about it, and ask the Lord to show him how he could be a better man.

He also always had such clear wisdom. Whenever I came to him with something I was really struggling with, and didn’t know HOW in the world to handle it (most often guy or work related), he would cut through all the fuzziness I had on the issue, and reply with such clear, logical wisdom, that I always left knowing that God had just spoken through him to me. And I grew up always knowing that this was one quality that I needed my future husband to have as well – so it always made it to my “future husband qualifications lists”. And you know what? God did it! So this quality crosses over between both of them, because, aside from my dad, my husband is the wisest man I’ve ever met. Any time I’m stressed or confused, and regurgitate my overwhelmed feelings to him, he quietly listens, and then…his responses will be SO clear and SO wise that immediately I will just feel the whole overwhelming burden of my stress just lift right off my shoulders. “Is it really that simple??” I’ve found myself thinking quite often.

Another thing that has been SUCH a help and encouragement to me is my husband’s patience — with me, with our children…with everyone! He never gets upset or says things in a harsh way. He is always thinking the best — even when it’s with me, and I am having a melt-down (this never actually happens though, right???), and I KNOW I’m wrong, and he really COULD be rightfully mad at me. He’s not. He never takes the harsh things I am all too prone to spewing when I’m upset, to heart. I always know he will give me a hug, and say, “I love you”, afterward…and mean it. I often think, “When I grow up, I want to be like my husband”. But I know this is largely because he just spends a lot of time with Jesus. And that is the most important thing for any of us to do. Without being filled with Living Water every day, day after day, we WILL respond the wrong way. But when we immerse ourselves in Christ and His Word, THESE are the things that will come forth in our words and actions.

Do you have a man of God in your life you would like to recognize?  What about a time Jesus was that man?  Let us know in the comments!  You can also message us on Facebook to share your thoughts, or just have a chat.  We would love the hear from you!