A Father Heard

The Pain in My Back

September 8, 2018December 11, 2020 A Father Heard

This past week has been a challenging one for me. Why has this week been more difficult than other weeks as of late? Well, I’m glad that you asked! It started with back pain, that came out of no where. Mind you! I’ve felt this pain 2-3 times before in the past year. Each time, it comes on with no warning. When it strikes, I’m down for the count for several days. Then, it goes away and things are back to normal. This week, that was not the case. The usual suspects (tightness in the thighs, throbbing in my hips, and burning in the small of my back) were present. However, they decided to bring a friend (tingling in my foot and lower leg).

All of this prompted me to contact a chiropractor, which I’ve never had to do in the past. Never crossed my mind. But this time, it was different. I begin to search my insurance company’s website for one. I find the one closest to me, and I make that call in the morning. Thirty minutes after making that call, I’m sitting inside of the Chiropractor’s Office. Each step full of agonizing pain, that won’t go away.

I fill out the intake forms, take care of vitals signs, and begin to share my story. My story prompts them to take an x-ray, and that’s when the intruder is revealed. However, I don’t get this information until the next day at my second appointment. Sublaxation of the spine! I’m not really feeling this information. The day before, I walk into this office thinking that she’ll crack my back and I’ll be good to go. Now, it’s something else. I’m embarking on what the doctor describes to me as a long process. A treatment plan consisting of twenty visits. Definitely, not feeling that information!

Grateful that I’ve insurance to use for this situation. But, the thought of a $30/copay for each visit is not what I need at this time. I mean I’ve a family to feed and bills to pay. Started a new position at work as this week, and I’ve had to miss close to three days of an already shortened week. I’m expected do stretch every hour. Didn’t I mention that I have to work? I’ve kids, who I long to roughhouse with. I’ve got a weeds to pull. Blah, Blah, Blah!

I could go on and on about the pain caused by the pain in my back. But, that’s not the end of the story. After receiving treatment, it feels a lot better. I’ve gained back a lot of range of motion from the prescribed stretches. I’m walking a little more. I’m more cognizant of my posture after a coworker shared an article on back pain. I’ve the faith, that God will speed up my healing process! When I feel discomfort, I’m reminded of how much I need to rely on Him to get me through it. In my weakness, He is made strong!

Reflection on Psalm 23 (King James Version 1611)

August 20, 2018August 20, 2018 A Father Heard

green mountain — Photo by Enrico Perini on Pexels.com

[1] The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

[2] He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me besides the still waters.

[3] He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

[4] Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

[5] Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: though anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

[6] Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

This chapter in the Bible is, one of the most widely known text, in all of the scriptures. It’s one of the first ones, that I remember my parents teaching to me as I was growing up. What is this God-inspired psalm written by David (a shepherd turned King) telling us.

I believe it is letting us know, that no matter what we go through God is always there for us. If He is there, we can be sure that he has come with provision and protection. The same way that sheep rely on their shepherd, we must rely upon our God. No matter what you’re going through fear is replaced by comfort, lack is replaced by provision, blessings come in abundance, and His presence is reliable. When we find our self in a quiet place with Him, we are able to experience a peace like no other. In this place, we’re able to come to our senses.

If you’re like me, there are times when we are bogged down with life. Whether it’s stress from work or family, it can consume us. The car is in need of a gas tank. You’ve got too much month at the end of the money. It doesn’t matter what it is; because, it won’t out last his provision and protection. I hope that you’re encourage on today to speak life into your situation by resting in the Most High.

Mastering Manhood

August 19, 2018August 19, 2018 A Father Heard

As of late, there’s been much talk about masculinity and what it means to be a man. Considering all of the negative statistics related to behaviors from men, it is wise for our society to think about the impact of masculinity. With focus and intention, masculinity on display is a very constructive force to be reckoned with. For instance, a husband loving his spouse as she battles through a terminal illness. Although he’s been pushed to the limits of his emotions, he continues to love her unconditionally. His love births in us a desire to be more loving to our own family. When left unchecked, it is as destructive as a wildfire on a windy day. His tongue is uncontrollable, and everyone is tip toeing around the house to avoid setting off a ticking time bomb. Let’s flee as fast as we can from being like the last father, and flock to becoming more like the husband.

man in black crew neck shirt taking selfie — Photo by Arvind shakya on Pexels.com

Walking this journey to becoming a man is a long, arduous process. Becoming a man is full of up’s and down’s. It’s littered with contradictions as to who he really is and who the society wants him to be. Constantly striving to reach the pinnacle of manhood, men of all ages are navigating the idea of what it means to be a man. Can one really Master Manhood? What does that really mean? If you go to Mastering Manhood, you’ll get a glimpse.

My friends (Joshua Banks and Isaac Rowe) decided that we needed to do something in our city to build up our men. As you may recall in my first post (Can You Hear Me?), Frederick Douglass suggested that “It’s easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” However, it doesn’t mean that we don’t try! We went well past try, and DID THE THING in the form of a conference. We feel wholeheartedly; in order to redefine community, we must reclaim masculinity. It’s our desire to empower and inspire men to embrace community, responsibility, family, education, and legacy. A man, who isn’t willing to tackle those five areas in his life, is doomed to crack on the pressure. The Mastering Manhood Conference is designed to bring men together to play an active role in their personal and professional development. When we focus and create a powerful intention, we heal ourselves and those connected to us. Now, that’s what it means to be a man!

Can You Hear Me?

August 18, 2018August 19, 2018 A Father Heard

I’m excited to return to speaking life through the written communication. Writing has always been of interest to me, and it comes and goes in waves. My first stint with blogging began several years ago. In 2009, my wife and I began a blog called What’s In A Name, which chronicled our experience of moving from Texas to California. That was a time when our faith was tested, and our God kept his word to never “leave us nor forsake us” during that two year period. Gradually, she and I stepped away from creating content for it. However, I’m glad to report that she began revitalizing that blog as a part of her graduate school course work. If you’re interested in taking a look, you can do so at by searching @magpar02 on WordPress.

Although, I took a break from writing. I have kept myself busy with sharing my thoughts on faith, family, and wellness through my podcast, A Father Heard. Currently, it’s on the Anchor platform. Feel free to take a subscribe and listen. As I fine tune my craft, you’ll be able to find the podcast across various outlets. That’s the goal! And, I don’t plan on missing the mark. Enough for now, I’ve to be a good son by picking up my father from work. I look forward to spending more time with you’ll!

Thanks for joining me!

“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” –Frederick Douglass