Gene Winters is one of the smartest people I know. The son of a nurse and contractor, Gene grew up in Lindale, and always seemed to be a step ahead of the rest of us. I guess that stands out because he was actually younger than everyone else in my graduating class, having been born on New Year's Eve.
In his adult life, Gene has studied Hebrew and Christianity. I'm pretty sure that in the course of his education he actually earned the right to be called rabbi. He has worked as a Comptroller and executive in health care, married and become a dad. Like so many of the men I know, fatherhood changed Gene. And that was no more apparent than in a New Year's charge he issued to the men in his circle of friends and acquaintances.
Gene's words are challenging and true, a reminder that life holds great opportunity, if we take his advice.
1. Pray daily with your family. Let your children hear you pray - first exalting your Creator, thanking him for all things, and then pray for them, your spouse, your extended family, your employer, and your country. Let them hear you ask for divine wisdom to guide you and your family. Make sure that they understand that loving and wanting to please God is the very reason we were created!
2. Lead, reject passivity. Speak out. Be courageous! Do not be a passive part of the world. Reject sin, and call evil by its name. God always rewards men of action. Be what you want your children to aspire to be!
3. Stand strong when challenged or criticized! It is easy to waffle when challenged or when people attack you. In the end, only one opinion of you really matters-what God thinks. Make that your guiding principle, and you will be fine.
4. Be humble. One really bright leader said, "Don't think less of yourself. Think of yourself less." This is great advice if you are running a corporation or a family. Give praise and credit where it is due.
5. Display your love for your wife in front of your kids. Speak words of blessings and praise for her. your sons will remember this as how to treat a woman, and your daughters will want to find someone who will treat them with the same love and respect you treat your wife! A "generational curse" spoken of in scripture is not some sort of voodoo-it is speaking about learned and observed bad behaviors passed down from parent to child. (Hint: No matter how tired you are, do your share of the chores. Nothing says "I love you" more than doing laundry or dishes or cooking a meal.) Always remember: happy wife, happy life!
Five simple truths, not easy, but simple. Wise words to follow; wise words, indeed.
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