by Dale Sadler

Created on: September 01, 2009

If I had my choice as to which of God's creatures I could be, it would have to be a silver back gorilla. Silverbacks are strong leaders that watch over a troop of five to thirty gorillas. This dominant male makes important decisions, mediates conflicts, and determines the movements of the group. This 600-pound mammal finds food and takes responsibility for the safety and well-being of those depending on him. (SOURCE:

www.solarnavigator.net)

As I watch Discovery Channel videos of this impressive beast, I think, "Wow, some of my own kind can't get it this right." Our families need leaders, and the men are often looked to for this. Women like men who are decisive and who know what they want, especially when it involves the "safety and well-being" of their family. There's nothing more pitiful than a man who can't take care of his family. The gorilla does it. Why can't more of us do it? BE THE GORILLA.

One clear reason some men fail at this is because leading their families would mean they would have to understand them. Some men find this difficult. We like things that are simple; football and hot wings on a Sunday afternoon. Simple. Our families though don't have to be impossible like some men make them. I often say that I lead with a listening ear. Some might laugh and ask, "Does that mean you do what you're told?" No. It means I listen and understand what needs to happen within my household rather than blindly cutting through the forest of life. The gorilla listens and understands. Why can't we?

Some men get leadership and "doing what they feel like" mixed up. "I'm the man. I'll do what I want." Yes and no. Yes if what you're doing will benefit the family as a whole. No, if you just want your way. That's called being a baby and in most homes that role is already filled. A good leader knows his team's needs and works to meet them in the best way possible. He doesn't do what's best for him. He does what's best for the group. Something I've realized over the years is that when my family's needs are met first, mine will be met and sometimes they'll be met tenfold.

My Godfather movie collection sure would look good on a forty-two inch plasma but our new baby is on the way and she is certainly more important than anything material. "Never go against the family." Yeah, there are some things I like about him too.

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