It seems that this time of year brings out the best and the worst in us. You have stories like the tragedy that occurred in CT this week. Someone obviously in pain, striking out in a horrible way to share that pain. May I say here that my prayers and the prayers of my family go out for all of those effected by this horrific tragedy.

This story begs the question What if?  What if there had been someone in the life of the person who committed these terrible acts. Someone with influence that could have served as mentor to speak truth into his life and provide leadership and bestow moral character through a relationship of influence.

Apparently the shooter was from a broken home, described as a nice kid. His parents had divorced about three years prior and his father had recently re-married.

I do not know the family and I am certainly not making any accusations or judgements here. Adam reportedly killed his mother before going on this killing spree and this family is suffering along with the families of those killed at the school.

What I am saying is that there is a crisis level of absent-T fathers in this country, due to many factors, and it obviously is taking a toll on our children.

I have been involved in several different prisons, and currently working with two institutions in Indiana. In almost every case there has been a lack of participation by the father in the lives of these men. Wrong is wrong, and having a tough upbringing is no excuse for wrong choices or bad behaviour, but the evidence is telling. Men need to be mentored by men. I learned recently through the men’s group leader at our church, that manhood is bestowed upon young men.

In primitive cultures there is a community of men that provide a right of passage to the younger men at a designated time in their lives, transitioning them from boyhood to manhood. Along with this privilege of transition comes membership in the community of men, bringing responsibility and accountability to the mew member.

So what is the point here?? We are probably not going to revert to a tribal culture in this country, although an argument could be made that gangs provide the same right of passage and sense of community and family.Is it coincidental that these gangs are formed primarily of the segment of society where dad’s are predominately missing.

We as men have an incredible opportunity in front of us that can make a huge impact in reducing prison population, crime, disasters like that in CT, countless situations triggered by the lack of mentor leadership in the lives of the young men in our circles of influence.

Would you pray with me about becoming involved in the life of a young man you know? Would you be willing to step out of your comfort zone a little and trust God to lead you in bringing life changing leadership into the life of some young man? All of the statistics support the idea that if we all act, become mentor leaders in our community of men, It can change our entire society.

So how about it? Look around you, there are opportunities everywhere…and may God bless you as you serve.

P.S. For those of you looking for opportunities to serve…check out the website “thementoringproject.org “. They are working on partnering Churches and Big Brothers, Big Sisters, to connect you with kids that need a mentor.