Then I will lure Sisera commander of Jabin’s army, his chariots, and his infantry at the Wadi Kishon to fight against you, and I will hand him over to you. ~Judges 4:7
Sometimes the best man for the job is a woman!
This may or may not be a hard thing for you to hear, but the best advice you’ll ever get on being a good dad may come from someone who will never be a father. Someone who will never hear anyone call her “daddy.” If you’re married, this wise person is your wife. If you’re a single dad, it’s the special women in your life who love your kids.
How is this possible?
Let’s start with an important question: How did you learn how to be a dad? Well, for the most part you learned by watching dads—especially your own—do their fathering thing. There were things you saw your dad do that you have tried to repeat. And there are probably things you observed in your dad that you are trying to avoid. In either case, you learned by watching a dad in action.
The women in your life also had dads. They also observed the things their dads did well and not so well. These women may have a better memory than you, and they can use their recalling ability as they coach you on how to be a good dad. Even though there are plenty of studies that confirm this, you and I already know it because they probably don’t need a grocery list as badly as we do!
“Oh, I don’t need to write it down. I’ll remember.” Of course, you will.
In today’s text, Barak learned a valuable lesson: he should have listened to Deborah. God had chosen her to do some incredible things in His name. She must have had a solid memory of how God had led His people in battle, so she knew what she was talking about. But Barak did not handle himself properly in the face of her counsel and lost the respect of the people. Eventually, he had to do the dangerous work of fighting the battle but didn’t get any credit for the victory. Foolish Barak. Next time he’ll know.
God has given women special insight, discernment, and wisdom. Consulting with the woman who is the closest to you just might be the smartest thing you do.