Father’s Day
Father’s Day is here and I thank God for the blessing of a father figure in our home. His steady presence has strengthened our sons and shown them love, kindness, and faith. Whether in Minneapolis or Seattle, he faithfully carried the role of Dad. He never asked for the title, but our sons saw in him a gentle spirit, genuine love, and a life of excellence. At our church, his motto has always been, “follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1) Through this, he has established a legacy of faith, loving his children, me, and all those that come into his circle of influence.
The breaking apart of families during slavery left wounds that affected generations in Black communities. While that history helps explain some pain, it does not excuse fathers abandoning their families today. Family abandonment is a struggle seen around the world. My constant prayer is, “Father God, heal the family unit. Let whole families reflect Your healing power and restore broken lives through Your help as hearts seek Your guidance.”
In understanding the foundation of fatherhood, we see that the love of a father is both unconditional and profound. This love mirrors God’s love for us, being filled with patience, grace, and understanding. The Bible shows us how vital affection is in nurturing a child’s growth. A father’s love can encourage our dreams and support us through trials; it can shape us into the individuals God intended us to be.
“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him” (Psalm 103:13).
“The Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in” (Proverbs 3:12).
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1).
If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:11).
“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name” (Ephesians 3:14-15).
The breaking apart of families during slavery left wounds that affected generations in Black communities. While that history helps explain some pain, it does not excuse fathers abandoning their families today. Family abandonment is a struggle seen around the world. My constant prayer is, “Father God, heal the family unit. Let whole families reflect Your healing power and restore broken lives through Your help as hearts seek Your guidance.”
In understanding the foundation of fatherhood, we see that the love of a father is both unconditional and profound. This love mirrors God’s love for us, being filled with patience, grace, and understanding. The Bible shows us how vital affection is in nurturing a child’s growth. A father’s love can encourage our dreams and support us through trials; it can shape us into the individuals God intended us to be.
“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him” (Psalm 103:13).
“The Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in” (Proverbs 3:12).
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1).
If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:11).
“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name” (Ephesians 3:14-15).