The Quiet Heroes: Celebrating the Men Who Shape Our Lives

What if some of the most powerful influences in our lives are the ones we talk about the least?

As Father’s Day (June 15th) approaches, I’ve been reflecting on the unique and irreplaceable role that godly men play in our families and communities. In a culture that often diminishes or misrepresents masculinity, it’s more important than ever to recognize and celebrate the men who are living out biblical manhood.

One of my earliest memories of my father is us sitting in our station wagon and him explaining what accepting Jesus into my heart and life meant. My father was a marine early in his life and a pastor later in his life. I remember throughout elementary and middle school having to be downstairs dressed and at the table by 6 am to read the bible with my siblings.

My father was not perfect but he was steadfast.

A man who said what he meant and meant what he said.

A man who loved Christ and was trying to be more like him.

A man who meant the world to me.

As we move towards Father’s Day I think of our Heavenly Father and realize that blessing that He gave me with my earthly father.

Lamentations 3:22-23:

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness

I love that the love of God is steadfast God is so faithful. 

I love that God gives you what you need even if you don't know you need it. My father was setting me up for where I am today. I am grateful for his zeal for the Lord and for making sure his children had the bible within them. Even if I did not understand everything I had enough that the Holy Spirit could pull me back after my silly season and help me on this road I am on.

I am thankful for the example of my father seeking the Lord and relying on God. I am thankful that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. And it reminds me again of my father and how he was always pointing me to God, that was his consistent trait.

The unseen impact Psalm 103:13 tells us, “As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.”

This beautiful verse reveals something profound about God’s character—He chose to describe His relationship with us using the metaphor of a compassionate father. And I think that it is not brought up enough.  God is kind. God is compassionate.  A great way to dig more into the compassion of God is our Compassion and Kindness coloring workbook which would be great family fun.

I love that God chooses this as one way to describe Himself.  And that this speaks volumes about the potential impact of godly men in our lives.

The men who shape us whether it’s a father, grandfather, uncle, mentor, pastor, or friend, godly men leave an indelible mark on our lives through their:

Steady Presence

There’s something powerful about the quiet, consistent presence of a godly man. It’s in the father who shows up to every recital, the grandfather who calls just to check in, the uncle who remembers birthdays, the mentor who keeps his commitments.

This reliability reflects God’s faithfulness to us and creates a foundation of security and trust.

Servant Leadership

 Ephesians 5:25 instructs husbands to “love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” This sacrificial love is the hallmark of biblical masculinity—not dominance or control, but selfless service.

When men embrace this calling, they model Christ’s heart in tangible ways:

• ·       The husband who adjusts his schedule to support his wife’s dreams
• ·       The father who puts down his phone to be fully present with his children
• ·       The leader who uses his strength to protect rather than to overpower

Spiritual Guidance

Joshua boldly declared, “As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15). When men take spiritual leadership seriously, it creates a powerful legacy.

This might look like:

• ·       Leading family devotions
• ·       Praying over children at bedtime
• ·       Modeling what it means to worship authentically
• ·       Demonstrating how to handle failure with humility and repentance

 

Let’s be intentional about honoring the men who have shaped us.

Here are some meaningful ways to do so:

• ·       Write a specific letter naming the qualities you most appreciate
• ·       Create a photo book capturing special memories
• ·       Plan an experience that aligns with his interests
• ·       Simply tell him, directly and specifically, how his influence has blessed you

I encourage you to take a moment to thank God for the godly men He’s placed in your life.

Celebrating the men who shape us,

Cathleen Thomas

Founder, Olive Grove Life

Who is a man who has significantly impacted your faith journey? Comment below I’d love to hear your story and possibly share it (with permission) in future emails to encourage others!