‘Growing up, I never had a good role model. My father was absent most of the time due to work. The only thing I knew about being a man had to do with porn, alcohol and violence. I had no idea how to behave towards my wife and kids…’
Radek throws his arms into the air when he’s speaking about what it was like and he sounds confused. Until we start talking about KingsMen and how it changed his life completely.
Man after the image of God
‘I learned to be a man after the image of God at KingsMen – how I am created after his own image and how He wants to be my father, the father I never had….
I found my true identity… as a son of God. It felt like a second change of life for me. A kind of re-birth.
God gave me the opportunity to be who I am, because He filled the gap of my own father. He was there for me.
Radek’s beaming with pride as he enthusiastically continues sharing about how he found his masculinity and how it made him feel free: ‘I always thought ‘power’ was equal to violence, something I vowed not to use myself because I didn’t want to be like my own father. But now I know ‘power’ could for example mean, knowing when to ask my wife or children for forgiveness. It gave me true freedom!’
Time, attention and freedom in God
‘At first I didn’t know how to be a good father, but I’ve learned to be there for my children by giving them time and attention. I just want to be involved in their lives and take my responsibility.’ Radek explains what he wants to pass on to his children – to find freedom in God and experience his love. ‘This has been such a huge discovery for myself, so I really want this for them as well. I don’t need to hide anymore, I can take risks and be who I am. Something I truly wish for my kids as well.’
