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Children who grow up with involved fathers are 39% more likely to earn mostly A’s in school, 45% less likely to repeat a grade, 60% less likely to be suspended or expelled from school and twice as likely to attend college, 75% less likely to have a teen birth, and 80% less likely to spend time in jail.  Studies have also shown that when fathers are supportive, active and affectionate it will greatly affect a child’s educational achievement, self-esteem, confidence, social and cognitive development.   
     God is intentional and strategic.  After God created the world and all other creatures, He saw fit to create Adam (Genesis 2:7).  Adam comes from the Hebrew word adomah, meaning “man”.  God created man in order to have a relationship with Him, care for His creations, and populate the earth.  By creating man first, God was establishing order.  He created man as the headship.  Not to control, but to protect the family.  Headship is responsibility given to man by God and it should not be taken lightly (Psalm 112-1-3).    
     Growing up, I can remember running around the house and occasionally dismissing mommy.  When daddy’s truck pulled into the driveway, I would scramble to finish chores, homework and be on my best behavior.  When he worked on his cars, I was outside handing him tools.  If watching “Hee Haw”, “Lawrence Welk”, NASCAR, boxing and wrestling meant spending time with him, so be it.  Daddy’s presence made me feel safe, secure and loved.       
     If you are wondering, “Are father’s important?”….the answer is yes.  The patterns a father model for his children will dictate how his children relate to other people.  A father is his daughter’s first love.  A father shows his daughter what a relationship with a man should look like.  A good father teaches his son how to be a man.  If you are an absent father, we are praying for restoration and reconciliation.  Your children and communities need you.  If you are a father who is present, we celebrate you not only today but every day.   You are appreciated!   
“Fathers are central to the emotional well-being of their children and the biggest present they can give to their children is their presence”-Noha Abu Sitta.
Happy Father’s Day