In this powerful episode of the Fathering Strong podcast, host Bruce Stapleton sits down with Buddy Brown, a Springfield resident whose journey from childhood trauma to intentional fatherhood offers hope and inspiration to fathers everywhere. Buddy shares his raw and honest story of growing up with an abusive, alcoholic father who abandoned the family multiple times, leading to a suicide attempt at age 14. His life transformed when his family began attending church, where he witnessed healthy father-child relationships for the first time and was mentored by godly men who showed him a different way to live. Through his faith journey, Buddy learned to forgive his father and eventually led him to Christ before his death. Now a father of three daughters and grandfather, Buddy emphasizes the importance of understanding love languages, being intentional with children, and surrounding yourself with godly mentors to break generational cycles of dysfunction.Takeaways:- Understanding that wanting to be a good father is 90% of the battle - the other 10% is simply showing up and being present when your children need you.- Learning your children's love languages is crucial for connecting with them effectively and avoiding unintentionally making them feel unloved through mismatched communication.- Forgiveness is possible even in the most difficult father-child relationships when you learn to see your father through God's eyes rather than your own hurt perspective.- Surrounding yourself with godly mentors and role models is essential for acquiring the "tools" you need to become the father you want to be, especially if you didn't have a good example growing up.- Being available and making time for small moments with your children - like coloring for five minutes when asked - creates lasting memories and shows them they matter.- Sometimes children just need you to listen rather than immediately trying to fix their problems or offer unsolicited advice.- God can use your painful past to help others, and breaking generational cycles of dysfunction is possible through faith and intentional choices.- The importance of having godly men in the church who are willing to invest in younger fathers and provide organic mentorship opportunities.Chapters:0:00 - Introduction and Welcome 2:30 - Buddy's Early Childhood and Relationship with His Father 8:45 - Family Dysfunction and Trauma Begins 15:20 - The Suicide Attempt and Cry for Help 18:30 - Finding Church and Witnessing Healthy Fatherhood 22:15 - Mentorship from Godly Men in the Church 25:40 - Military Service and Becoming a Father 28:50 - Raising Three Daughters and Learning Love Languages 34:15 - Break 34:40 - The Journey to Forgive His Father 42:30 - Leading His Father to Christ Before Death 46:20 - Becoming a Grandfather and Current Ministry 48:45 - Advice for Fathers from Difficult Backgrounds 52:30 - The Importance of Church Fatherhood Programs 55:15 - Closing Thoughts and Future Plans