‘Man Enough to Forgive’ and Companion Workbook Helps Readers Fulfill
Their Mission-Oriented Purpose Through Forgiveness
PHOENIX, Arizona, Aug. 1, 2023 – Author, speaker and founder of Fathers in the Field, John J. Smithbaker, has written “Man Enough to Forgive: Healing the Wounds of Fatherhood Abandonment,” to challenge men to break the cycle of fatherlessness and pursue biblical forgiveness.
Designed specifically for Christian men, but relevant to all men suffering, even as adults, the impact their father’s leadership in the home as children, the book emphasizes how forgiveness of one’s earthly father is critical to a more intimate relationship with the Heavenly Father and to overcoming the pain fatherless boys naturally carry over into adulthood.
“The purpose of ‘Man Enough to Forgive’ is to address the No. 1 societal issue of our time—fatherlessness caused by divorce or the abandonment, absenteeism, neglect or indifference of a child’s God-ordained pastor, provider and protector—his father,” says Smithbaker.
“Men were born for a glorious and mission-oriented purpose; therefore, my goal is to walk alongside other men in this battle for truth and the pursuit of masculine righteousness through forgiveness.”
Almost every destructive cultural issue today in America has roots in the systemic problem of fatherlessness. More than 18.4 million children in America live without a biological step or adoptive father in the home today. Research shows that fatherless children are more likely to live in poverty, suffer from a mental illness, engage in criminal activity and drop out of school. This epidemic has not only plagued our society, but it also has severe consequences for the Church.
“Pastors universally acknowledge that their churches are being overwhelmed with the symptoms of fatherlessness both among boys and men,” says Smithbaker. “The wounds and consequences of a father’s absence is holding many men back from pursuing their God-given purpose as a spiritual leader within the family and in the Church.”
Recognizing that the path to true forgiveness is a challenging and sometimes misunderstood process, Smithbaker has developed a companion study guide for readers, which includes writing prompts, thought-provoking questions, podcast episodes and practical checklists to guide men through an easy-to-follow process. Both the book and study guide will ultimately serve as a road map to those impacted by abandonment and divorce, helping them to find healing in the arms of the Heavenly Father.
“I have witnessed firsthand how generational fatherlessness destroys families and is fundamentally weakening our nation,” said Smithbaker. “My mission is to earnestly search for and rescue the desperately hurt, the angry, the lonely and those pleading voices of the precious fatherless who are crying for help.”
“Man Enough to Forgive,” with a foreword by Lieutenant Colonel Allen B. West and endorsement from the President of the American Association of Christian Counselors, Dr. Tim Clinton, releases on September 17 from Dunham+Company. To learn more about John J. Smithbaker and his new release, visit manenoughtoforgive.com.
About John J. Smithbaker
John J. Smithbaker is an author, speaker and founder of Fathers in the Field. His passion and focus are to help men recapture their divinely assigned roles of Pastor, Provider and Protector in the home, as well as in the Church. As an experienced businessman, ministry leader and gifted communicator, Smithbaker combines his personal experience and straight-forward style to connect and speak with men held back from becoming the man God designed who suffers through the brokenness, pain and anger of being left behind. For more information, visit manenoughtoforgive.com.
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