Charles Tillman and Manhood

I was listening to the radio last week when a story caught my attention.  Charles Tillman, the All-Pro defensive star for the Chicago Bears had publicly stated that if his wife were to go in to labor that he would miss the Bears game against the Houston Texans.  The comment sparked a reaction from Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.  Florio responded by saying that Tillman should not miss the game and that NFL players should be totally committed to their teams during the season.  He even went on to suggest that players should resort to different methods of "family planning" to prevent missed games.  In other words, the season should be the top priority.
I want to begin by saying that I applaud Tillman.  It is rare to find a professional athlete who is that committed to his family.  He even tweeted last week, "God, family then football."  Tillman seems to have his priorities in order which is once again, a breath of fresh air.  As a person who enjoys sports and has children who do as well, it is nice to able to point to Charles Tillman as an example of how to live.  We need more role models of his caliber. 
As for Mike Florio, he is an example of the culture at large.  In his mind, the game should matter more than anything else.  Sadly, there are a lot of men who are not professional athletes or sports writers that feel the same.  Their careers matter more than anything else and they would never inconvenience themselves for their children.  These type of attitudes have led to the crisis of manhood that our country now faces.  Far too many young men are sitting in prison cells or wasting their lives because dad's career mattered more than they did.  The numbers increase every year and as long as thinking like Florio's rules the day, the results will be the same.  
So I am thankful for Charles Tillman and his stance.  I pray that more men will set an example like his.  Ephesians 6:4 says, "And fathers, don't stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."  God's pattern is for the father to lead in the teaching and training of his children.  Our sons and daughters need to have fathers who invest in them so that they can do the same for future generations.  God.  Family.  Football.  Now it may not be football on your list, it could be any career - you get the idea.  God knows best.  After all, He designed the family and He is our Father.  Guys, lets stand up and be men.  Lets follow the example that our Father has left us.