A Father's Influence

(Contains Legend of Korra spoilers. You have been warned.)

So I watched and then rewatched the season finale of Legend of Korra. While there were a lot of great scenes (Mike and Bryan both did a really great job with the finale), I feel as though the Tarrlok and Noatok’s story arc affected me the most.

I used to dislike Tarrlok a lot, especially since his ambition got the best of him. But that story of him and his brother and the tremendous influence that their dad had on them was his redemption. Of course, it doesn’t excuse his actions and what he did to Korra but it explains a lot.

“Fathers do not exasperate your children. Instead bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” — Ephesians 6:4

Okay, I realize I’m probably taking this a little too seriously (especially since it is just a cartoon). But I can’t help but dwell on how big an influence a father has on his kids. If a dad does a really poor job and even merits the title of being the worst dad in the world, it really messes a person up. Young dads (if you are reading this), if you think that whatever you do won’t have any bearing on the lives of your children, think again. God gave you the role of not only a father in the family but a leader as well. So whatever you do, your kids do as well. And whatever screwed up thing you do, it will hurt, wound, and scar your children. 

Your actions WILL leave a mark.

Yakone had the opportunity to start over, to do well as a father. But his pride and his desire for vengeance stood in the way of that. He raised wounded soldiers instead of sons. Of course, this is not to excuse what Tarrlok and Amon proceeded to do with their lives when they grew up. You always have a choice to do what’s right. While your circumstances and your childhood may have a bearing, they should not make you who you are.

You may have no control over the family life that you’ve had - if it was truly horrible - but we can take control of our actions. We CAN choose doing what is right over doing what is wrong.

Besides, our relationship with God is reflective of our relationship with our own dads. In the same way that how we see our own dads can become a hindrance in our relationship with God and our perception of Him.

That’s right dads, you have a huge responsibility resting on your shoulders.

And that concludes what I wanted to say about Korra. Heh.