Whenever my siblings and I became too much to handle for mom, she would say, “wait til your dad gets home.” Lol. As a Gen Xer, that statement can make the hairs stand up on the back of my neck. In his absence, we could wear mom out. However, once he got home, the scales were tipped in mom’s favor. As I reflect, on the importance of fatherhood and mentorship, I am reminded of a powerful true story that my friend, John Cragg, shared with me.
In Pilanesberg Park, South Africa, a park ranger faced a troubling dilemma: a group of young elephants were mysteriously killing rhinos. The park’s ecologist Gus Van Dyk took on the investigation and uncovered a startling revelation.
The perpetrators were a band of young male elephants who had strayed from their herd. Without the guidance of adult males to instill proper behavior, they wreaked havoc, resulting in the deaths of nearly 50 rhinos. The solution, however, was both simple and transformative.
Van Dyk arranged for six large, adult male elephants to be brought to the park. In a matter of hours, the younger elephants fell into line, mentored by their older counterparts. Dad was home. The adult elephants provided the guidance and discipline needed, bringing an end to the rhino killings.
The strength of a father’s presence, is felt by all in the household and our communities. Just as the presence of adult male elephants restored order among the younger ones, dads and mentors are vital in instilling values, discipline, and character in young lives.
Even as Father’s Day is right around the corner, lets celebrate the importance of dads and father figures now and recognize and honor their irreplaceable role in shaping individuals and communities. Their influence extends far beyond their immediate families, leaving a lasting legacy of strength, guidance, and love.
Guard Your Gates 