As we prepare to celebrate Dad’s in America this weekend, we cannot help but to notice the stark contrast between what culture says is noble and necessary in the lives of children and what truly matters to the tender hearts and minds of little boys and girls. A Godly fathers influence in the life of a child is a priceless and lasting gift, a gift realized not only in this life, but in the life to come. As Frederick Douglas said, ““It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”
It was Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council who observed, “Having a father “is essential. It’s foundational, especially for young men to be successful, both educationally and when they move into the work environment,”
Brad Wilcox, director of the National Marriage Project at the University of Virginia observes, “A working father acts as “a symbol” who helps a young male or adolescent sees “his own dad getting up in the morning, getting to work on time, you know, providing an example in that way,” said Wilcox Tuesday. Having a father in the home is important financially, because “dads are much more likely to devote their money to their kids and help their kids either go to trade school or go to college, and flourish in those arenas, and then go on and get a job.”
My good friend Dr. Kenyn Cureton share this wonderful illustration, “I heard a story about a dirt-poor farmer. He and his family lived in shack on a modest spread. They were happy to labor and laugh and love together as a family. The father worked hard and taught his only son the satisfaction of honest toil. A rich farmer came to visit one day. The poor father and son were chopping weeds in waist high corn. He observed that the corn was tall enough that the weeds wouldn’t hurt. “You and your boy needn’t work so hard.” The poor father wiped sweat off his brow and replied: “Maybe, but I’m not just raisin’ corn, I’m raisin’ a boy.” Later that boy graduated as the valedictorian of his class. Brimming with pride, the father remarked to his wife: “That boy is the best crop I ever raised!” He had prepared him for success in life through hard work.”
The biggest problem we face in America according to Farrell and John Gray in “The Boy Crisis: Why Our Boys Are Struggling and What We Can Do About It,” is dad deprivation. Because of divorce and parents never marrying, “only about half of children will spend the duration of their childhood with both of their biological parents.” It truly is a national crisis. To again quote Brad Wilcox, “Absent fathers are particularly detrimental to boys, who miss a model of what it means to be a good man. Such boys are more likely to die by suicide, to have issues with drugs, and to commit violent crimes, among other things. Strikingly, young men without both parents are more likely to go to prison than graduate from college.
This past week’s celebration of D-Day reminded us afresh of the amazing courage and fortitude displayed by the young men of the greatest generation. The National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia, does a wonderful job year-round, commemorating this crucial event that saved Western civilization. The town, which fittingly was called Liberty when founded in 1782, was chosen because of the Bedford Boys. Thousands of American towns lost sons, brothers and fathers on D- Day, but Bedford (population 3,000) lost 22 young men — the worst per capita loss in the country. Nineteen were killed in the early hours of D-Day at Omaha Beach, and three others died later. Their stories were immortalized in Alex Kershaw’s 2001 book, “The Bedford Boys: One American Town’s Ultimate Sacrifice.” About 100 other Bedford residents also died in WWII, according to the memorial.” Writes Robert Knight a columnist for The Washington Times.
As we look back with admiration and appreciation for those men of yesteryear, we are perhaps tempted to lament our current cultural situation. We can also be challenged and inspired to make a difference here and now. By pouring our time and influence lovingly and effectively into a new generation of boys and oung men, sharing with them and modeling a strong and courageous example of Biblical masculinity. Not everyone will like it or embrace it, but doing what is right and necessary has always faced a challenge or two.
This Father’s Day, let’s celebrate the wonderful fathers in our lives, let’s recommit our efforts into adding value to and mentoring young fathers we know and love. And let’s raise up a new generation of children who seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness! Happy Father’s Day!
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