Last week, I heard my son being disrespectful to my wife upstairs at bedtime.
I didn't yell up the stairs. I didn't rush up.
I just started walking. Slowly.
Our stairs creak. Loud.
Step. Creak.
Step. Creak.
Step. Creak.
My son went silent.
I heard my wife: "You hear your father coming, so you stopped, didn't you?"
No response.
I reached his room. Looked him in the eye.
"You will not be disrespectful to your mother. Apologize. Right now. And don't ever do it again."
He apologized. I walked out.
---
That's all it took.
But here's the lesson every dad needs to hear:
**Your kids are testing YOU when they disrespect your wife.**
They're learning:
• Does Dad back Mom up?
• Can I get away with this?
• Who's really in charge here?
If you don't shut it down IMMEDIATELY, it escalates.
Your kids keep pushing. Your wife keeps absorbing it. And you've failed both of them.
**Back her up. Every single time.**
Even if you disagree with how she handled something, you back her up in front of the kids.
Handle disagreements later, in private.
In the moment? You're a team. Always.
**Here's what your kids are learning:**
Your SONS are watching how you treat their mother. That's their blueprint for how to treat women.
Your DAUGHTERS are watching too. That's their blueprint for what treatment to accept from men.
If you let your kids disrespect her, you're teaching them:
• Mom doesn't deserve respect
• I can talk to women however I want
• Dad won't protect the people he loves
Is that the legacy you want to leave?
**Your wife is watching too.**
She's asking:
• Will he back me up?
• Will he stand with me?
• Can I count on him when it's hard?
Be the man who says YES to all three.
Nip disrespect in the bud. Now. Before it becomes a pattern.
Your family is counting on you to lead.
Don't let them down.
I listened to Erika Kirk’s full speech at the memorial, and I want to share a few thoughts that came to me while live streaming the event. This is not political.
First, I should say that I grew up as a Muslim in a Muslim country. I don’t know enough about Christianity to say if what I witnessed is rooted in faith or culture. But what struck me most was how, even though death is heavy and this was by nature a sad occasion, the entire event carried a celebratory spirit that honored life.
That contrast hit me deeply. In Islam, even though we believe that good people go to heaven, the relationship with God is taught through fear. Funerals are overwhelmingly sad, often filled with warnings of the terrifying first night in the grave. Growing up hearing that, and then witnessing people celebrate life, speak of God’s love, and remember someone through the impact he had on others; it felt so refreshing, so positive.
Second, I was profoundly moved by @MrsErikaKirk’s words. I cannot fathom the strength it takes to stand and deliver such a meaningful speech after losing the love of your life. But even more than that, the grace it takes to forgive the very person who destroyed your world. I cannot imagine myself standing on a stage, sending love to those who cheered your husband’s murder, or inviting others to spread God’s love in response because, as she said, “we do not respond to hate with hate.” That is powerful beyond words.
Again, I am ignorant when it comes to Christianity, but if this is what it truly embodies, then I am envious of those who get to experience that feeling.
Parents, I hope your homes are so full of love & joy that when your college son is asked about not being around you and his siblings, he has this reaction.
The more boys feel adored by their fathers, the more empathetic and compassionate they become as teens and young adults. We underestimate what this means for society—and the deep theological truth it reveals. This is a key to real, lasting social change. This isn’t hard, folks!
Why does the book of Matthew open with a list of names?
It’s called a genealogy — it’s basically Jesus’ family tree. And here’s why that part is actually super important:
1. It shows that Jesus is real.
These are real people who really lived. Jesus didn’t just magically appear — He stepped into history, into a real family, just like you have grandparents and great-grandparents.
2. It shows that God keeps His promises.
Long ago, God promised people like Abraham and King David that the Savior would come through their family. That list in Matthew shows how God kept that promise — every step of the way.
3. It shows that God uses all kinds of people.
If you look closely, some of the names in that list were people who messed up big-time — and some were women, which was rare to include back then. That tells us that God can use anyone, and that His grace is big enough for everyone.
4. It’s like the opening credits of a movie.
It might not be the most exciting part, but it tells you who the main character is and why He matters.
I hope that helps you understand why such an amazing book opens with something you didn't expect. I know it’s a long list, but that list is like God’s way of saying: I planned this all along — and Jesus is exactly who I said He would be.
@MarkRober@ishowspeedsui@MarkRober As a long time viewer with my family, can you please respond to criticisms regarding the honesty of your self driving cars video? I want to trust you but these allegations are serious.
In honor of Elon's "What did you do last week?" I thought I'd share my summaries of what I got done each day:
Weekly Summary (Feb 16-20)
- **Sunday:** Preached three services, engaged with attendees, reviewed service with team, counseled a couple in crisis.
- **Monday:** Sermon series writing, met with executive pastor and then team.
- **Tuesday:** Finalized generosity video content, participated in Directors and worship planning meetings, recorded generosity videos, and prepped for new small group, attended my small group.
- **Wednesday:** Leaders Q&A content writing, meeting prep, monthly trustee meeting, conducted all-staff meeting, check in meetings, led new small group that evening.
- **Thursday:** Recorded leaders Q-A videos, led discipleship group, held leadership meetings, attended church prayer gathering.
-**Friday:** Sabbath
-**Saturday:** Family time
Anyone want to share theirs? I'd love to read them.