Happy Father’s Day
Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers.
In today’s society, what is the purpose of a man? Many American homes seem intent on removing the ‘oppressive’ male presence from today’s homes. There are households where women want to have children without a man. In courts we are told children need their mothers, but not necessarily their fathers. Divorce has become a way of life leaving a household where mothers work and fathers are absent. Women have become a central figure in today’s churches, because fathers are sleeping in, playing golf, out fishing or absent. Do we need today’s fathers? Yes, we do. Armstrong Williams writing for Townhall tells why we still need fathers today.
There are some things that only a father can provide his children. Although a mother is vital to a child’s development, there are some activities that a dad just makes perfect. Shooting baskets or going ice skating becomes more than a bonding experience between father and child. It becomes a moment when boys learn how to carry themselves as men, how to strive for a goal, work hard, and strengthen their male personality. It becomes a moment when daughters learn how a man should properly treat a woman, interact with males, try their best, overcome adversity, and strive for their potential. There is little in life that can simulate these fathers – child moments that turn ordinary days into treasured lifelong memories. (snip)
An active father does more than help his son grow into a man or daughter grow into a woman. He provides the spiritual leadership that every family needs. My father taught me how to handle difficult situations by keeping perspective. He taught me that faith comes first. Family comes second, then friends, after that, its education and vocation. My father taught me to rely on God and trust that He would protect me as I walked through the “shadow of the valley of death,” or faced unexpected hardships in my life. And more than just teaching it, my father lived it. I saw him read the Bible daily, pray habitually, and attend and participate at church every Sunday. My father provided the spiritual leadership that the Bible calls for, and I believe this kind of leadership should ideally be handled by a man. Regardless of the religion, this cannot be done properly if the father is absent.
Like Armstrong Williams, my dad taught me how to become a man. He taught me most of the things a man needs to know: how to shake hands with a firm grip, how a man’s word is his bond, how to work hard, how to open doors for a lady, and how to place God before anything else. My dad taught me how to treat women with respect and how to remain married to the same woman for these last 50 plus years. In short, my dad taught me how to be a man.
In his infinite wisdom, God made fathers and mothers to teach their children what they need to become good and productive adults. I am making sure my son grows up knowing how to be a man and my daughters how to be ladies. As Ephesians 6:4 says: Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. (NIV) And that I will happily do.
While it is Father’s Day, this is still a time for my kids. I want them to remember what Father’s Day is all about. As soon as return home from church its time to fire up the grill.
Again, Happy Father’s Day!
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