BeDADitudes: 8 Ways to be an Awesome Day (Ave Maria Press)

I have a challenge for you. Get out a sheet of paper and make two columns. In the first column, I want you to make a list of the top three things that you are good at. Now, on the other side of paper make a list of the top three things that are most important in your life. Compare the two lists, and see how much overlap there is, if any. I won't tell you both of my lists, but I will tell you that being a good dad was in my top three of things most important in my life. Sadly, if I am honest with myself, I don't think it would fall in the top three of things I am good at. I try to be, but I don't always take as much time with my son as I should, and I don't always have the patience with him that I should. I think a lot of dads might agree with me on wanting to be better dads. I believe that is why Greg Popcak wrote BeDADitudes: 8 Ways to be an Awesome Dad!

The book is divided into eight chapters with each chapter taking on a traditional beatitude from the Gospel of Matthew. For example, Chapter One is titled "Blessed are the dads who are poor in spirit. Theirs is the kingdom of heaven!" At the beginning of every chapter, Dr. Popcak puts into layman's terms exactly what the beatitude means, because let's be honest, these sayings never made a lot of sense with a superficial reading of the Gospel. I mean, what does it really mean to be poor in spirit? It's such an odd phrasing. After explaining the beatitude, each chapter is divided into three parts - 1. Your relationship with God, 2. Your relationship with your wife, and 3. Your relationship with your children. In addition to giving practical advice in each section, he also provides multiple questions for reflection that will not only make you think, but challenge you to be a better husband and father.

In this book, Dr. Popcak takes a Scriptural passage we are all familiar with and finds a way to focus the message to men. He shows us that the Beatitudes are not only a model for Christian life, but they can also help us to be better husbands and fathers. I recommend this book for any man, new father, experienced father, or even someone who is newly married and is going to be a father one day. It is a very valuable resource and one I plan to visit again and again.

This book was provided to me for free by Ave Maria Press in exchange for an honest review.