Do You Remember “The Face of Your Father?”

Hollywood is releasing “The Last Gunslinger”, a movie which is an adaptation of the Steven King book and series about Roland of Gilead the “Last Gun Slinger” in his quest to catch the “Man in Black” and reach the “Dark Tower”.

The “The Last Gun Slinger” and “Roland of Gilead” are names I love. They are the kind of names that boys love. There is the call of destiny, the call of purpose, a special life of purpose a significance of doing great things.

I digress but C.S. Lewis wrote of the mythology of Camelot, and how the knights of the round table have the characteristics which society needs to survive. The knights were meek, well mannered, absolute “gentlemen” in all respects and yet in the pursuit of justice, in war, in fighting for their families, in protecting the weak, they are fiercer than any barbarian. Somehow these men maintain their selflessness in their victory. Noble ideals are etched in the psyche of all people but they seem to be emphasized in boys.

It takes a lot of modern culture to convince young men that the greatest evil is not to self actualise. Modern culture makes space for charity but it should be comfortable without really sacrificing. And those who do are “odd” people.

Back to Steven King. He understands these universal narratives. “Do you remember the face of your father?” is another line he used throughout the seven book Dark Tower series. Roland is regularly saying “He has forgotten the face of his father.” Or “He remembered the face of his father.” This statement resonates with me. It is every boys wish to have a strong Father who raises them to be a great man. A Father who teaches and models what it means to be good. To Love, to protect, to serve and to be strong.

This ideal is written on our hearts because it is a universal that our true Father has written on our hearts. Through the Holy Spirit we long for this Father. But our corrupt nature pulls us away, saying we can do it our own way. So my question is “Have you forgotten the face of your Father!” I pray you will turn and see your Father’s face and meet his strong loving embrace. And he will lead you to become the man you truly want to be.