Happy Father’s Day!

To all the men in the world who took a stand to be a father: Grandpa, Papaw, Poppa, Dad, Uncle, Foster Dad, and Step-Dads alike. Brad Paisley said it best in his song “the Dad he didn’t have to be.” If it weren’t for these men stepping up and taking a stand, rather it be their own blood or not, each child would be at a loss, longing for something, and wondering what it was they were missing.

Dad plays a BIG role in a child’s life. Ask anyone who has lost a dad. You can ask any psychologist or counselor who has counseled a child with behavioral issues. Ask schoolteachers, pastors, and coaches! Dads play a huge role in a child’s life rather it be their presents or their absence. Abandonment, support, behavior, environmental, all these things play a part of a child’s life. And it all starts with a father’s choice. To choose if they want to be a part of a child’s life.

I am both grateful and blessed that my grandfather and father were both apart of my life. I am both grateful and blessed my husband has made the choice to be apart of the girls lives. The Lord tells us in James 1:27 to look after the orphans and in Psalm 82:3 to defend the weak and the fatherless as it does in Psalm 146:9 and again in Psalm 68:5-6. We are called as Christians to take a stand and be there for those children who’s dads are not there for them.

Father’s are called to show guidance (Proverbs 22:6), structure (Proverbs 13:24), teach (Ephesians 6:4), protect (1 Corinthians 13:7) and providers (1 Timothy 5:8) both environmentally, physically/financially, and to lead the household spiritually.

Many of times fathers do not do what they are called to do and leave it to the mothers to do all these things.

To the mothers who take on both roles, I commend you and thank you. Mother’s are called to nurture (Titus 2:4). It is not your role, but your responsibility to show the child all these things (1Peter 3:6-9). I pray that God gives you guidance.

To the dads who make the choice to be a dad when it is not your biological child, I commend you and thank you. You didn’t have to, but chose to. Show the child the love and security they need. Previously, this security and love was lost or compromised.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

To Dad, my Dad:

This man keep the child safe from harms way. He allow the child to grow in a Godly home, and show the child what love is by being a good example when you show their mother love. He would show his child respect when speaking or treating other women, leaders, and elders. This man would provide for the child’s needs and sometimes wants. This man is a good man. You are a good man, great man. You are my Dad!

There are times others may call out your slips and stumbles, they may curse you, call you a martyr, but you still stand by your word, and our God!

As I think back, and remember all the times you were there.  Even after working shift work, you were able to make it to piano recitals, ball games, and spend Christmas together with us.  Growing up, I know now how lucky I was.

Growing up, I didn’t know how tired you were. I did not know the long hours you put in and the over time you worked so I could take those piano lessons. I did not know the long hours of studying you did to finish your college degree, so you could get that work promotion to provide more for us and spend more time with us.

Dad, you taught me to love music. You would sit and listen to each note played, not nearly perfect. He would sing along and cheer at the big finally asking for an encore.

Dad, you taught me to trust you as you helped me pedal without my training wheels, letting me go as I soared across the blades of grass.

Dad, you also supported me and helped me continue to soar through my education into college. You were there at every move with boxes and tape in hand, even during a foot of snow. You watched and cheered as I walked across the stage receiving my diploma as you did 10 years prior. (Proverbs 22:6)

Dad, I don’t give you near enough credit you deserve. Almost daily I talk to Mom on the phone. Dad, I know you are there on the other side as she catches you up on our conversation. I think I need more Dad conversations as well. I love you Dad! Without a doubt I know your love for me. You helped plant a seed in my heart, the seed of salvation. You’ve been there to watch it grow and watch me grow as a Christian. (Joshua 24:15)