THE REBOOT

The Mission:

"Fathers are their son's first hero and their

daughter's first love"

CUSTOMER BOOK REVIEWS

'“I actually read it and am on me second reading. For me, I thought Ch.10 " He's Called To Be Father Not Friend" was very well written because right from the opening sentence it speaks about the the redefining of father's in society today has diminished " the role and authority of the father." Quoting Proverbs about how sons need their father's discipline. Pp 99-I03 (well written and well referenced scripture. Also Ch. 11, "A Generation That Did Not Know God" is upon this generation today. So many elements of knowing are absent in young boys lives principally due to the absence of father's. Pp 108 provided the sheer and raw guidance for father's that the Word REQUIRES of a father. You captured that with great authority. Lastly, and on a small note in the book (pp.80-Outward Character-"Show yourself as a Man" Excellent!!! I have more to provide upon the conclusion of my second reading. So far A+”

Review by: DAVE HAMMONS

Director of Men's Ministry

Book Review: The Reboot: Reconnecting Fathers with Their Sons and Daughters by Walter L. Ratcliffe

In the first sentence, Walter Ratcliffe identifies a relationship with Jesus Christ as a solution to the fatherless problem. This fatherhood handbook, rooted in Biblical principles, guides readers toward a closer walk with the Lord. The key theme of the book is to reconnect broken relationships between fathers and their children, likening the process to rebooting a

computer. Ratcliffe shares his personal story when he was 16 and his father passed away. This resulted in wounds and brokenness attributed to his experience with fatherlessness. His message is directed at fathers who have been absent from their children's lives and others who wish to strengthen their relationships. Themes of restoration and rescue resonate throughout the book. Drawing from his professional experiences as a pastor for 25 years and a probation officer for 28 years, Ratcliffe illustrates the impact of fatherlessness in the many lives he has encountered in jails, courtrooms and altars. The author provides practical instructions that fathers can implement immediately, including the four As: affirmation, acknowledgment, attention, and affection. This book offers hope to every dad who wants to be a father to the fatherless. The principles are applicable for fathers at any stage and age, encouraging them to be their child's hero and to rescue their children. With a balanced approach suitable for fathers of both sons and daughters, this book is a must-read for every dad. I highly recommend this book to fathers and those who love children, as the principles

within can greatly benefit their relationships.

Deacon Tracy Robinson

Doctoral Student

Walter Ratcliffe’s “Reboot” is a book for all of us as it addresses many of the issues that we struggle with in life. It is an insightful read. Reboot, a well balanced book filled with wisdom and although it's written to men. The reader either male or female can expect a strong serving of Scripture and real life examples to inspire them. Ideally if a man reads this book before becoming a Dad that would be great. However, if not there is hope offered as Ratcliffe points out the enduring love of God and His eternal plans for His children (pg. 111).

The book is a good reference for families. My personal perspective, as a black female who happens to be a Christian minister, found chapter Nine to be very helpful. Ratcliffe offers statistics that show how not having a Dad can negatively impact children. Additionally, he purports that “Through Daddies daughters learn what a real man looks like and what a husband looks like.” A few of the wounds asserted by Ratcliffe: Negative self image, anxiety and boundary issues (too flexible or too loose)” page 88. I was blessed by this book and I felt empowered by the authors’ ability to reach me, even as a grown woman who still has a need for encouragement and love from a father or an uncle. Pastor Ratcliffe was my uncle Jimmy’s best friend and I have been blessed by his pastoral ministry. He is a great preacher. I have been blessed by his prayer life. I also have been enriched by his service in the community as I learned so much just by observing him. But mainly I have received encouragement as a female preacher. I still needed a “father figure” to tell me that I am doing well and that he is proud of me. So I say, thank you Uncle Walt for the book, “Reboot” and thank you for speaking life over me and my family.