A Tale of Two Fathers

 I haven’t watched the movie “King Richard”; however, I have heard the positive and negative buzz surrounding it. The movie is based on Mr. Williams successfully coaching Venus and Serena into tennis superstars.  Mr. Williams was a visionary.  In addition to being an excellent coach, Mr. Williams was a protector and noticeably present father.  During interviews, I have listened as Venus and Serena spoke highly and lovingly of their father.  They have what some would call an unbreakable bond.   
     While Venus and Serena share a tale of support and success, their half-sister, Sabrina Williams shares a completely different tale.  Sabrina Williams’ tale is one of pain, poverty, and abandonment.  It’s amazing how Mr. Williams walked out on five children but went on to parent five children, three step-children and two biological children.  We may never understand how or why a father can walk away from one family and start over with an entirely different family.  Nevertheless, the increasing amount of single parent homes is indicative of this ongoing epidemic. 
     There are millions of children who can relate to a tale of two fathers.  I don’t know which one is worse: a father who is present but emotionally absent or one who is completely absent.  A father’s presence or absence can have a great impact whether positively or negatively. A positive impact from a father who is present greatly effects a child’s cognitive and social development.  It also instills an overall sense of well-being and self confidence.  On the other hand, a negative impact from a father who is absent can have long term effects as well, including diminished self esteem, behavioral problems, poor academic performance, violent crime, gang activity, poverty, teenage pregnancy, sexual exploitation, incarceration, substance abuse, homelessness, and difficulty maintaining relationships.  
     We’ve all heard the term “daddy issues” as it relates to women; however, men have “daddy issues” as well.  A woman may look for a father in the man she sleeps with or marries.  A man may emulate his father by moving from woman to woman and leaving a trail of unfathered children behind. According to 72.2% of the U. S. population, fatherlessness is the most significant family or social problem facing America. 
     The impact of fatherlessness can be seen in our families, churches, schools, and communities.  People who never had a present father can struggle to relate to God as a loving Father.  Although there is no magic wand or easy solution to fatherlessness, if you have been abandoned by your earthly father, there is a promise that our heavenly Father will never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6).