About a decade ago, before Abiding Fathers was officially launched, a Christian brother and I developed what was to be a fatherhood ministry, ‘Stand up 4 Dads’. It lasted briefly, but the thought has never left me. A few years ago when a certain caustic movement was launched in America, sadly, many pro athletes would not stand when the national anthem was being played. Fortunately, this was not a majority of Americans. When Ol’ Glory’s waving and the anthem is being played, it’s time to ‘stand up for the flag’. Because what you are really standing for is to honor the sacrifices that have been made by countless race, creed, and colors that have kept America being what God intended it to be when he formed it.
When it comes to the fathers in the nation and around the world today, many, if not the majority, have strayed from their role. Most probably don’t even understand it. Having served in prisons, juvenile detention centers and the homeless shelters here in Texas for over 50 years, it is abundantly clear that these men/boys have been deeply wounded by an absent, uncaring or abusive father. As many of you have heard me say, this experience has clearly shown me that the number one issue in America, and now I’ve seen it in the world, is the absentee father. And they are not all deadbeats. Many of them never had an example or a role model from which to fulfill their role.
And I believe it’s time for us to truly ‘stand up for dads’. Those in our own families, in our churches, wherever in our society. This is basically saying, “Dads, you are important, vital, and absolutely necessary for the family to prosper”. God has ordained fatherhood and given him the authority within the family to be the servant-leader. Malachi 4.6a is so clear as to what God intends. “And he will turn the hearts of fathers to the children and the hearts of children to their fathers”. And how serious this is when you read the last part of this verse. “lest I come and strike the land with a degree of utter destruction”.
So, what should we all do? First, if you’re a father, you need to reconcile with your children and if you are a child, you need to do everything possible to reconcile with your father if there are issues. Then, there needs to be encouragement to the dads in our lives. They are everywhere. We don’t have to look far, even within our own families. Encouragement to grasp the unique opportunity that God has given every man who is a biological father, or a surrogate father. Churches and Christian ministries need to be discipling fathers to be the dad God wants them to be. From Faith to Faith, the book God wrote through me is an excellent place to begin. Meeting with other dads in discipleship groups is so vital.
Pray that God will use you in some way to impact fatherhood, in our families and our culture. The Holy Spirit is willing; he just needs us to join him, step up and be counted among those who see the critical need for Godly fatherhood to thrive and prosper. A place to start might be writing your father or your child a handwritten note of your love and appreciation for them. It doesn’t have to be long, just heartfelt. From that little seed planting, there just might be a bountiful harvest. Just take the first step and “Stand up 4 Dads”!