March, 2003 (No sarcasm)

Dear Dads,

Have you ever been stung by sarcasm? It can really hurt, plus it can stay with you for a long time.

Please realize how much worse sarcasm from a father can be to a child who loves and looks up to him.

Key point for dads:

No more sarcasm with your children.

Important Bible verses:

Ephesians 6:4 "Fathers, do not exasperate your children"

Colossians 3:21 "Fathers, do not embitter your children."

If you are doing this, please pray for wisdom, apologize appropriately, and with God's help, stop.

Your brother in Christ,

Al Wylie

PS- Please realize how harmful sarcasm can be to your wife also.

Hello Dads,

I still vividly remember the time my daughters and I were walking into a fast food restaurant, when I laid a negative, sarcastic comment on my daughter Janet. Provoked and hurt, she blurted something like, "No wonder Mom gets mad at you, the way you are so sarcastic."

I wasn't too hungry at that point. God was showing me that I had messed up big time. I excused myself and then sat miserably in the car while they had lunch. Thankfully God did a great work in my heart there, and with His help, I have been a different father and husband ever since. Your brother in Christ,

Al Wylie