Name: Keith Pittman | City: Jacksonville, FL | IG: @keithpittmanjr

What does being a father mean to you?

To me, being a father (especially to two little girls) is all about elevating the standard of what my daughters should expect from a man. Secondly, it’s also about legacy. One day I won’t physically be here but the wealth & wisdom I impart in them will be here for generations to come.

Describe your experience with your father growing up and how that impacted you today.

My biological grandfather didn’t exist. While my dad had an incredible role model in his step-dad (who I consider to be my grandfather), I think in a lot of ways the goal was for him to just be present. As I look back, a lot of what I believe makes me a great dad – I learned from him. So I’m blessed and very grateful in that regard. The relationship I have with my dad has made me take a tremendous pride in being a father myself. I wouldn’t change a thing.

What things did you take from your experience growing up into your own fatherhood journey?

All kids are special and truly a gift from God; but man, there’s just something about having daughters. It’s an incredible experience when you can look at your child and externally see yourself, but internally see their purity and fearlessness. When I look at them it makes me reflect on how I truly look inwardly and the process makes you deal with some of the pain and emotional trauma you’ve experienced but maybe swept under the rug. Seeing the purity and faith of your children makes you want to pursue a new level of health and wholeness because they deserve the best version of their daddy possible. My fatherhood journey has brought me perspective & healing I didn’t even know I needed!

What advice would you give others new on their fatherhood journey?

Pray A LOT!!! lol

If you could write a quick letter to your father, starting with “Dear Father,” what would you say?

Dear Father, I love you. I respect you. I honor you. Thank you!

Name some other fathers you cosign.