182: Initiating Sons Roundtable (Part 2)

Mar 11, 2025

The discussion centers on the journey of fatherhood and the importance of initiating sons into manhood. Shared vulnerability is underscored as key in father-son dynamics, with stories highlighting the need for emotional support. Parenting is framed as a practice of grace and authenticity, emphasizing risks and connection. The emotional bonds between fathers and sons are explored, particularly the necessity of addressing unresolved childhood issues. Additionally, the influential role of mothers in this initiation process is celebrated, showcasing the balance of maternal and paternal influence.

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ANECDOTE

Campfire Joke

Micah describes a campfire scene where his son's joke was interrupted, leading to an emotional moment.
Micah realized his own childhood feelings of being unseen were surfacing, impacting his response.

INSIGHT

Father's Reactions

Morgan Snyder points out that a father's reaction to his son's experience often reflects the father's own unresolved issues.
Overreactions or underreactions can indicate disintegrated parts within the father.

ADVICE

Address Unfinished Parts

Acknowledge your own unfinished parts when reacting to your children.
Invite Jesus to integrate those parts and model ongoing personal work for your kids.

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What I’m trying to do here is get you to relax, not be so preoccupied with getting so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Don’t be afraid of missing out. You’re my dearest friends! The Father wants to give you the very kingdom itself.

Luke 12:19-32 MSG

Friends,

Our initiation into wholehearted maturity and deeper union with Christ unfolds over decades of learning to practice without pressure.

Perhaps nowhere is this invitation more hopeful than in parenting.

Of all the questions I receive, none are more common than questions about fathering—and none consistently carry within them more weight of pressure and fear or confusion.

Pause and consider for a moment: What would it be like to shift from a posture of performance into a posture of practicing without pressure? What would it be like not only to understand but also to accept the reality that our children’s lives are held in the hands of a present, caring, and beautifully winsome Father? In the ordinary rhythms of daily life as a dad, what would it be like to encounter God, recognize His presence, feast on His goodness, and, from that nourished place, carry His very essence into the sacred journey of fathering our children?

It would change the world.

Dare I say, it is changing the world.

We are men choosing to become the kind of fathers to whom God is glad to entrust His Kingdom—His rule, His presence—that we might generously reveal His unrelenting affection to our children.

Moms and dads, join us for Part 2 as we explore together the hope and promise of participating in the story of our becoming—the story God is authoring in and through our journey of fatherhood.

For the Kingdom,

Morgan

P.S. For more parenting resources, explore more with the free Becoming a King Parenting Devotional and this blog, Celebration of Boyhood.