A Father’s Perspective

‘Tis the season for fathers.  But, where did they all go?
And, whose footsteps are these children going to follow? 
 

Tonight, about 40 percent of American children will go to sleep in homes in which their fathers do not live. Unfortunately, in our country, many fathers have chosen to fulfill their own personal desires over the sacrifice of caring for their own children.  And, it is a sacrifice.  That’s why I believe so many men check out from their responsibilities.   These innocent little ones are going to find someone to look up too, and from what we know about the statistics of children who are raised without committed fathers, the findings are not good.

“Young men who grow up in homes without fathers are twice as likely to end up in jail as those who come from traditional two-parent families…those boys whose fathers were absent from the household had double the odds of being incarcerated — even when other factors such as race, income, parent education and urban residence were held constant.” (Cynthia Harper of the University of Pennsylvania and Sara S. McLanahan of Princeton University cited in “Father Absence and Youth Incarceration.” Journal of Research on Adolescence 14)

–63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of the Census).
– 85% of all children that exhibit behavioral disorders come from fatherless homes (United States Center for Disease Control)
– 71% of all high school dropouts come from fatherless homes (National Principals Association Report on the State of High Schools.)
– 70% of juveniles in state-operated institutions come from fatherless homes (U.S. Dept. of Justice, Special Report)

These statistics are pretty hopeless.  But, in the midst of those discouraging truths, there is a tremendous amount of hope.  Just yesterday, a couple wrote to me to tell me that they turned down a trip to go to serve at an orphanage.  Instead, they decided that they would enter into the adoption process for a child from Africa who has AIDS to join their family.  They wanted to put an end to the crisis, not just put a band aid on it.  They are acting with great courage.
The good news is that there is a ground swell of courage happening in our country.  Men and women are standing up in their communities to say, “No more…We will defend these precious little ones”.  Whether it is adoption, foster care, respite, advocacy, giving of your time, talent and
treasure, or helping your church get involved, there is something for everyone to do.
Maybe you have a family, but you’ve neglected them. 
It’s time to turn it around.

There has never been a better time than now to ask God for a revival of courage this Father’s Day.  These little hands are asking for your guidance, your direction, your love, your time.  Even if the hands are bigger now, their heart still beats for your presence, time and attention…..care for it.  Make your footprint count in this life.  Anything else that gets in the way….well, it can wait. 

Be courageous.

Be inspired.
Please watch the video.