From Steve’s Library 11/29/2005

There was once a judge in the Wild West who had the strange custom of offering condemned criminals their choice between hanging and the big black door.  When the day of execution arrived, the judge went to the prisoner’s cell and presented the option.  “What will it be,” he would ask, “the rope or the big black door?” Of course, he never explained what the big black door was.  Not knowing what was behind the big black door, virtually every condemned criminal opted for the rope.

A sheriff once asked the judge what was behind the big black door.  “Freedom,” said the judge, “but they need to have the courage to try the unknown before they find out.”  Few men are brave enough to choose the option of the unknown.

A good father knows that discipline and firm restraint become the door to lifelong freedom for his children.  Standing tall means modeling courage for your kids, especially when the future is uncertain.

—Steve Farrar

Steve Farrar was the author of many books, including the best-sellers Point Man, Finishing Strong, and Battle Ready: Be Strong and of Good Courage in These Troubled Times.