I'm Just a Guy: Raising a Son(s)Sample

You Got To Stand For Something

I remember the first time I saw the movie Rocky. As a young kid, I was instantly hooked.

Beyond the epic fight scenes, what made the biggest impact on me was the work and training he endured to be ready for the fight ahead. From downing raw eggs, to chasing chickens, to those unforgettable runs through the streets—Rocky went through tremendous trials to be prepared when it mattered most.

By the time he entered the ring, his preparation beforehand was what he leaned on in the ultimate battle. His trainer once said that to withstand a 45-minute fight, you have to train for 45,000 minutes. That’s a hundredfold return—time in training versus time in the fight.

When I think about that, I ask myself: how am I preparing my son for the battles he will face in life? Unlike Rocky, he won’t have a set date or time when he knows the enemy will strike. His battles may come at any moment, in any form. So how do I help him be ready?

The only way I know is to ensure he’s battle-ready at all times. And one of the best ways I can do that as a dad is to bring him along on my training journey. Rocky had sparring partners; my son needs to see the work I put in so that he learns to prioritize it in his own walk.

Part of that training is helping him understand which battles are worth fighting. He needs to see me seeking God’s wisdom to discern the difference between standing for truth and being driven by pride. Some fights are worth every ounce of energy—like defending the unborn. Others, like arguing with the HOA over a parked truck, might not be the hill to die on.

At the core, the training comes down to fundamentals. He must see me in God’s Word daily. He must witness time in prayer. And he must watch me lean on and engage with other brothers in Christ consistently. A single retreat or one-time experience can be powerful, but it will never outweigh the steady, non-negotiable rhythms of daily faithfulness.

Will he adopt these practices for himself? I don’t know. He’ll have his own choices to make. But I do know this: the habits, examples, and rhythms he sees now are being stored deep within him. When his battles come—and they will—those experiences will be ready to rise up and give him the strength to stand.

So my own reflection is I am not sure exactly how many minutes of training I am giving him through my own actions as an example and more direct conversation with him, but I am certain that I benefit and he benefits from that consistent effort the way Rocky benefited from consistent unyielding effort. It doesn’t mean that life for either of us will be easy, but it does mean that we are committed to a foundation that is firm.

Reflection Questions:

• How can you model daily faith practices your son can imitate?
• What battles are you showing your son are worth fighting?