Chapter 12 is titled, The Decree.
This is another short chapter, but after a wordy introduction the author gets into some meat of the chapter. Explaining that originally the knight-hood was a pay to play role. The poor need not apply. However over time that changed, only the sons of knights could become knights.
That is still the same today. The easiest path to knighthood for the sons is knighthood for the fathers. There are exceptions, but as the author puts it; “and for every success story, there are a hundred tragedies.” The exception is just that. I am an exception, not the rule.
Then the following excerpt is in the book:
Every dad begins fatherhood with a distinct and awesome advantage: the unstinting admiration of his son. Wise dads, like Lee, recognize their privileged position and build upon it by modeling the message they preach to their sons. They know that words are only as strong as the source from which they arise.
Every boy adores his dad. Are you worth adoring? Am I worth adoring?
Then when talking about how parents as a whole, and dads specifically play as a role model, the following statement is made:
Dad, your son desires more than ideals. He needs more than ceremonies. His heart cries out for a father who lives like a knight; a dad who not only knows what he believes, but lives out what he believes.
That is a powerful statement.
The rest of the chapter closes in the the power of a dads life. Just saying the right things isn’t enough. You must live the right thing. Reminds me of a church sign down the road from me (which is apparently an old quote from St. Francis of Assisi):
Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.
[Initially Written: 3.16.09]
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