The Oak Life Journal
Jul | Aug 2023
By Cameron Talbot
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2 minute read
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Warrior Father
When I was a child, no matter what awful situation, sickness or sadness was experienced, there was one thing I could always count on—my father.
He would listen to my fears, or bandage my wound. No matter the moment, there was a sincere remedy. But in every situation, regardless of the circumstance, he would pray.
Oh, how my father prayed.
I can still see his face—eyes squeezed tight, brow furrowed. He would begin with a whisper, as he intentionally connected with something larger than himself. And after a few moments of quiet collecting, he would let a powerful energy loose. He would advocate for me to the heavens, loudly, almost demanding of a miracle, an answer, a presence.
He displayed that identity of a warrior father when I was in full crisis as a person.
He displayed the same when I merely had a mild cold.
And I felt so safe.
Inadequate Me
Now, I myself am a husband and father. I recently called him for wisdom.
“How did you always carry that level of faith?” I asked him, feeling inadequate. “How did you do that, even for the little things? Sometimes I’m tired and don’t feel the energy to advocate for my family like that.”
“The truth is, son,” He replied with an understanding smile, “I didn’t always feel full of faith, either. But you needed me to build you up. You needed faith in those moments. And it was my honor and responsibility to be the one to inspire it.”
Warrior Director
Caregivers of a children’s shelter have the difficult task of being those warrior fathers or mothers to children from hard places.
Directors have a task, quite possibly even harder—to be warrior advocates for every child and adult in the home.
And the best directors understand this, that felt safety must extend to every staff member before it can reach the children. It means you carry the honor and responsibility of inspiring faith and hope…
…when everyone is tired.
…when funds are running low.
…when that one particular child is still causing problems.
…when a beloved child leaves
…when the burden of every child´s difficult story is weighing on hearts and minds
It means that in every moment, whether you currently feel the faith and positivity or not, you encourage life in those around you with an uplifted spirit.
It means you pray ceaselessly, loudly, and advocate to Heaven for your staff members. It means you set yourself aside—your worries, your fears, your stress—and ask the God of Heaven and Earth to make Himself known to your team.
And you are more than capable of doing this, because God chose you to be director. You already have everything you need to be that warrior.
So they can feel safe.
Cameron Talbot
Chief Editor
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Cameron Talbot
Founder of Oak Life, he has been working alongside children's homes since 2015. His passion is to learn and share the tools to help heal children of abandonment. Sustainable alternative-care. TBRI® Practitioner. Proud husband and father.
Cameron Talbot
Founder of Oak Life, he has been working alongside children's homes since 2015. His passion is to learn and share the tools to help heal children of abandonment. Sustainable alternative-care. TBRI® Practitioner. Proud husband and father.
