Fatherhood in the twenty-first century is not for the faint-hearted, but it isn’t rocket science, and there aren’t any tricks. A seasoned father shows that any man with common sense, an unwavering focus on his goal, and the willingness to struggle can raise a great family. To Be a Father challenges men to make the demanding commitments that will transform their family lives and themselves.

Promises to My Wife offers a husband’s commitment to romance and the shared responsibilities of the family; Promises to My Children addresses religion, discipline, and family living, as well as just plain fatherly love; Promises to Myself encompasses goals for the family, spirituality, and community life.

"Today`s men have very few resources to provide them with good guidance for their roles as husbands and fathers. Thankfully, To Be A Father is one such resource; it provides a clear, compelling, and cogent roadmap for successfully navigating the challenges of marriage and fatherhood. Stephen Gabriel`s aphorisms are priceless, as are his essays on family life. This is a book men should read carefully, and with their wives and children close at hand."

~Bradford Wilcox, Director of the National Marriage Project at the University of Virginia