Why We Celebrate Fathers
The following story is from one of our PreBorn! Partner Pregnancy Clinics.
Sadie had an appointment scheduled at Planned Parenthood, but since it was two weeks out, she decided to visit one of our PreBorn! Partner Pregnancy Clinics.
During the ultrasound, Sadie found out she was pregnant with twins. She burst into tears as she believed only an abortion would overcome the weight of her circumstances. She had told no one of her pregnancy, except her boyfriend and a friend.
Early the next week, Sadie called the Clinic to share that she canceled her abortion appointment and would like to schedule a new appointment.
When Sadie arrived, her nurse asked about her decision. Sadie said that she found the courage to tell her dad about the twins and when he responded with excitement, she canceled her abortion appointment.
The Importance of Fathers
A mother is vital to us… she gives birth, cares for and nurtures us, and will do just about anything for us. There’s no doubt about the impact a mother has on the life of her child.
But what about a father? How important are they to the fabric of society and to the family?
In the US, one in four households are without a father figure. The impact of a father in the life of his child is significant and cannot be overlooked.
This void can cause a host of problems in the life of a child. For example, 85% of youths in prison grew up in a home without a father, and girls from fatherless homes are 4x more likely to become a mother before turning 20.
Children in fatherless homes are:
- 2x more likely to not graduate high school
- 4x more likely to live in poverty
- 279% more likely to deal drugs
A father is vital to the home and his children.
A Father’s Role & Characteristics
The main role of a father is that of protector – to make certain he is able to shield the family from physical and emotional harm. A father is a disciplinarian, one who children look to for rules and enforcement.
Girls model their behavior after the character of their dad. For example, if a father is gentle and loving, that girl, as she ages, will look for men with those same qualities.
Boys look to their father as a model figure and begin imitating his character. A boy will look for a father figure in other men when there isn’t one in the home.
A good father is intentional. Much like we see in John 2:15-16, “And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables; and said unto them that sold doves, ‘Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise.”
Jesus noticed the injustice and took action. As fathers, we are to do the same in our surroundings. We can’t just sit idly by, we are NOT to be bystanders. We must be active to care for the welfare of those we love.
The Model of a Good Father
My own father taught me to work on just about anything or figure out a way to do so. Everything from our car to the house to first aid… I learned a great deal. Hard work is not foreign to him. Even though he worked hard, he still made time for his family.
Yet some of you reading this never had a good father… or never had a father at all. You are uncertain what a good father should be like. Let’s take a look at the Everlasting Father, as seen in Isaiah 9:6, as a role model of a good father:
- Compassionate — a good father is happy to be with his children. God is always there for you, will never forget you, and is happy you desire to be in His presence.
- Slow to anger — a good father is there to build up and lead his family. God loves you. He created you for a purpose. He wants you to fulfill the purpose He has for you.
- Relational — a good father seeks to build a positive relationship. Much like we see in the prodigal son, God is open and willing to take you back in. You’re never too far gone from Him.
Celebrate Fathers
Let us celebrate this Father’s Day and continue looking to the Everlasting Father who is always there for us, will never leave us or lead us astray, and continues to provide when we don’t deserve it.
If you’re a father, continue making a positive impact on the lives of your children and your community. Pray that men don’t fall into the trap of passivity but that they are active in changing and transforming families, communities, and the world for Him.
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