Respecting Your Father and On Your Relationship with Your Father, by Our Papa
The Fatherless Family |
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But make no mistake, the fact that I am currently
president of a family ministry, rather than in prison, does not mean
that I was not damaged by my father's behavior. Our chaotic
relationship certainly wounded my spirit, to the point that it is
difficult to talk about even today. However, I learned at an early age,
"that in all things God works for the good of those who love
Him…" (Romans 8:28, NIV).
At the same time, I pray that my story might offer
hope to the many children who are currently growing up in fatherless
homes, and that it will encourage the readers of this letter —
particularly men — to take up the baton on their behalf. In the
absence of a positive father figure, I credit several male mentors in
my life with coming alongside me and helping to turn me from the path
of self-destruction. My older brothers, of course, were a source of
tremendous encouragement and strength during the years when our
relationship with our dad was disintegrating. But I'm also thankful for
several Christian football coaches who, during my high school years,
served as positive male role models to me. Although I attended a public
high school, these men came alongside me and modeled the love of Christ
in a way that contributed significantly to my own emotional and
spiritual development. I'm truly grateful that God introduced these
wise and godly men into my life during a time of such critical need.
A discussion of this nature inevitably brings to my
mind the heroic efforts of the many single parents in our midst who
quietly and admirably lead their families. Theirs is a heavy burden. If
you are a single mother or father, we applaud your devotion and
unfailing commitment to your precious and beloved children. As with all
of us, the Lord will sustain you regardless of circumstance, if you
place your trust in Him.
What about you? Because we have already established
that the problem of fatherlessness is so widespread, I would be very
surprised if there isn't a child — or two, or three, or four
— perhaps outside your immediate family but within your own
circle of influence who could use a positive male presence in his or
her life. I hope you'll prayerfully consider reaching out to these kids
who don't have someone that they can call "dad." They might look happy
and whole on the outside, but I can assure you — without a
positive male mentor, a very significant piece of the puzzle is
missing. Perhaps God is asking you to be that missing piece.
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