I recently participated in a panel discussion hosted by the Rees-Jones Foundation on the barriers to father involvement in low-income communities. I’ll admit; I wrestled a little with being on the panel.

The other panelists spent years of their professional lives researching these issues, studying policy, and helping develop solutions at state and federal levels. Most of my week was spent preparing teachings, counseling neighbors, bagging groceries at our local food pantry, fixing cars, mowing yards, shaking hands, and praying with neighbors.

You know–stuff pastors do.