Ted Ginn Sr. stresses importance of being an effective father
NEWARK -- Being an effective father is more than being a good provider.
Ted Ginn Sr. thinks not enough men realize the distinction.
Community Wesleyan Church in Newark hosted a men's dinner Sunday in hopes of encouraging men to mentor each other. The theme was "In Your Footsteps" because, as organizers explained, someone is following in every man's footsteps in some way.
Ginn Sr., who coaches football and track at Cleveland's Glenville High School, was the event's speaker. Throughout his coaching career, Ginn has mentored young men, including his son, former Ohio State University wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr., and former OSU quarterback Troy Smith.
Ted Ginn Jr. told the about 140 people gathered at the church that not every good man is a good father, and this is something that often becomes confused. Providing material needs for the family is not a substitute for providing for a child's emotional needs.
A son needs a father's involvement in his life, he stressed.
"A son without a father in the house is like an explorer without a compass, meaning without direction," Ted Ginn Jr. said.
Prayer is another important aspect of fatherhood. He told the audience that "the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and they would make you a good father."
He also said if a man is not godly, he cannot be an effective father.
"A son is likely not to find Father in God unless he finds something of God in his father," he said.
Some of the things he did in his own life to be an effective father included allowing the Lord to direct him, putting God first, understanding the meaning of being a father and understanding his son is always watching him "because he might like to be like me."
Ted Ginn Jr. said he has played the role of mentor outside his immediate family as well.
"I deal with young men every day, and you end up being a father," Ted Ginn Jr. said, adding many young men need a mentor.
Yvonne Miller, director of the women's ministries for the church, said Sunday's program was the church's second program for men, with this event being advertised as open to the community. They have regular dinners in honor of women.
"It's to help men realize that they are important and they are respected; that they have a responsibility to family," Miller said of the program.
The problem is societal. Sitcoms and media in general mock men and belittle their contributions to family, Miller said.
"It's a God-given responsibility for a man to lead the home and to be a spiritual leader," she said.
Miller said they would like to have a men's dinner annually.
Jeff Canaday, of Columbus, attended Sunday's program with his father, Jay Canaday, who is the church's men's pastor.
"It makes you think about how to set examples with your son and daughter for that matter," Jeff Canaday said.
Jeff Canaday is the father of identical twin boys who watch his every move.
"They imitate you every day," he said, adding they've mirrored him in both good and bad ways.
Jay Canaday said he thought Sunday's program was wonderful and spread an important message.
He heads up the church's Men for Men program, which is open to anyone in the community interested in being a better father and man.
"It's men working for other men in support of other men," Jay Canaday said. "We share their burdens. We share their victories."
Read more at www.newarkadvocate.com
|
