Praying Man Is Best Type Of Man

Say what you want, a praying man is the best type of man.

Don't get me wrong a praying man still sins. He still falls short. He doesn't do everything correctly, but a praying man is the best type of man.

My parent's religious roots can be traced to a church called Jeter Chapel AME in Union, South Carolina.

When my father reached the age that he could make his own decisions about church attendance, he fell off in a major way. In fact, most of my adolescent and teen years, my dad didn't go to church but he always said that he prayed.

When I started dating, I thought about my preferences -- the skin complexion, the height, the facial hair and even the build. I thought of personality traits or characteristics such as ambitious, fun, zest for life and intelligent. But I didn't, and I'm just being honest, think about dating someone who talked about Jesus as their savior or God or prayer or church.

I didn't see it as necessary because after all my father didn't go to church.

But my mother likely knew that because my father had a foundation in the church that he was like a lost puppy and would, one day, return. And she was right.

It was the summer of 1991. I remember it like it was yesterday. My parents were on a trip to their hometown in South Carolina. I didn't go that year because of a summer job. My mother called home and told me that my dad had accepted Christ as his savior. And oh yea, the cooler full of beer was given away to my cousins.

Since that day, he hasn't had anything to drink. And no, he wasn't an alcoholic. He just enjoyed a "cold one" from time to time.

But it wasn't just giving up beer, my dad changed his ways. He became really active in the church. He joined the brotherhood who helps in the parking lot, he joined the male chorus, he attended Sunday School and many other church affairs.

And he isn't just a bible-toting type of guy. He tithes faithfully. He studies his Bible. He kneels in prayer before he goes to bed at night. And he lives his life like a true Christian.

While growing up, my dad talked to me about the importance of education. My dad taught me to stand up for myself. Before he darted out the door for work each day, he gave me a hug and kiss and said he loved me. He worked hard to put me through Catholic School. He spoiled me. He complimented me. He taught me to believe in myself.

But I'm most grateful to my dad for what he showed me.

My dad has shown me that a praying man is the best type of man.

A praying man is a family man.
A praying man is a confident man.
A praying man is a handsome man.
A praying man is a righteous man.
A praying man apologizes.
A praying man doesn't anger easily.
A praying man stays in prayer so that he can be the best type of man.