Where did our fathers go?
According to the 2017 U.S. Census bureau more than 1 in 4 children experience the absence of a father. This includes step and adoptive fathers.
The absence of fathers has an impact on our nation:
A child without a father is 47% more likely to live in poverty,
17 times more likely to become pregnant as a teen
2 times more likely to suffer from obesity
2 times more likely to go to prison
abuse drugs and alcohol
commit a crime
have behavioral problems
92% of parents in prison are fathers.
Individuals from father absent homes are 279% more likely to carry guns and deal drugs.
Fathers have the ability to speak life into their families. Scripture connects life to the father. We are told in the ten commandments to honor our father and mother so that we might live long in the land. “Hear, O sons, a father's instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight, for I give you good precepts; do not forsake my teaching. When I was a son with my father, tender, the only one in the sight of my mother, he taught me and said to me, “Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments, and live. Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth. ...(Proverbs 4:1-9)”
A father guides, disciplines, and imparts wisdom into our lives. Over and over again we are directed to love and guide our children so that we may be honored by them and bestow blessings into their lives. We are warned of the folly when we neglect this responsibility. Statistics today show us where our society’s troubles stem from.
The absence of fathers is costing us dearly.
When I became a father, I learned very quickly to put aside childish things. I changed my life for my children and my wife. There were no more late-night rendezvous with friends; there was homework, teeth to brush, bicycle-riding lessons, dinner, stories, and bedtimes.
I had no idea the responsibility a father carried. Being a man and a father requires commitment, courage, and resolve. A father chooses to invest and pour himself into his children. Growing up I was convinced my father was blessed to have me in his life, because he loved me that way. He lifted me up. He poured himself into me, listened to me, and made my siblings and I a priority. I knew my value because my father and mother loved that value into me. I didn’t know it then, but I was finding my worth in measurements of their time and love.
I didn’t know it then, but I was finding my worth in measurements of their time and love.
My parents didn’t just tell me they loved me, they kept promises, were consistent, and always valued our family above all else.
I am thankful to be a father and husband. It has made me a better man. I am thankful my father, who didn’t have a father, chose to be my father. The statistics show not everyone has a father as I did. But without an example, my father chose to be a father to me. According to statistics my father saved me from poverty, addiction, prison, and possibly death.
My father beat the statistics and passed that strength on to me.
I know it can be done.
I know it’s hard.
But, your children need you. This is why dads are heroes. It’s not a cliché, they literally save our lives, communities, and nation.
May you be the dad that saves your children’s lives.
May you be courageous, committed, and resolved.
May you be a father.
Happy Father’s Day,
Josh
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