“Oh, Daddy!”

By Lou Yeboah

Even though you are no longer with us… we, your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren thank you for your council, and the legacy you left behind, a legacy of glory. For you said unto us, “Know the God of your father and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever.” [1 Chronicles 28:9]. I urge you to remain true to your Savior. I have no doubt that you will. Love each other deeply in your marriages. Keep your family ties strong. Lay-up treasure in heaven because the stuff of earth is empty. Beware of sin and confess it as soon as you discover it in your life. And let the Spirits gift of joy color all your life. Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God [1Colossians 10.31; Proverbs 4:19, 5:1, 6:20].

Oh, I tell you, my father, he was a humble man. He was a dependent man. He was a proven man. He was a focused man. He was a faithful man. He was a patient man. He was an obedient man. He did nothing on His own; He acted only as the Father desired and enabled because he knew that Jesus was the prototype, the pattern, and master copy for how we should live. [John 5:19-30]. I tell you; “Fatherhood” is Worth Celebrating!

Consider all God asks Fathers to do: Provide for their families [1 Timothy 5:8]. Love sacrificially [Ephesians 5:25-33]. Teach their children about the Lord [Ephesians 6:4]. Encourage their children [Colossians 3:21]. Talk about God’s Word, often [Deuteronomy 6:6-9]. Appreciate their children [Psalms 127:3-5]. Guide their families in serving the Lord [Joshua 24:15]. Set a good example [Proverbs 20:7]. Love their children enough to discipline them [Proverbs 13:24; 19:18]. Lead their families as Christ leads the church [Ephesians 5:23]. “Fatherhood” – Worth Celebrating!

That’s why on Sunday, June 20^th, America will celebrate “Father’s Day.” Take the opportunity to celebrate your father [Dad, grandfather, stepfather, foster father, uncle, brother] who was there for you. Let him know how much you love and appreciate him, EVEN IF, your relationship was not like you would have wanted it to be. Send him a gift and write him a card that will touch even the toughest man’s heart. He will appreciate your kind words and the fact that you took the time out of your day to write him a personal note. Don’t let the opportunity pass. Just like we celebrate many things. When we grow another year older, we celebrate. When we add another year to the length of our marriage, we celebrate. When our favorite team wins a championship, we celebrate. When we graduate – from kindergarten, from high school, from college – we celebrate. When our child is born, we celebrate. When we get a promotion, we celebrate. When we retire from our career, we celebrate. Clearly, we find and take many opportunities in life to celebrate victories, achievements, milestones, and joyous moments. Take the time to celebrate your dad, because I tell you, “Fatherhood is worth celebrating, and it doesn’t matter if he raised you from day one, barely saw you because he worked long hours to support your family, or you found him later in life – celebrate him. Just like God values you, God values fathers.

On that note, I pray, Heavenly Father, we give thanks for the “Fathers” in our lives. We know fatherhood does not come with a manual, and reality teaches us that some “Fathers” excel while others fail. We ask for Your blessings for them all, and forgiveness where it is needed. Bless them for the many times they reflected the love, strength, generosity, wisdom and mercy that You exemplify in your relationship with us. Granted not all “Fathers” lived up to these ideals. Give them the grace to acknowledge and learn from their mistakes in the same token, give us the grace to extend to them the same forgiveness that you offer us all. Help us to resist the urge to stay stuck in past bitterness, instead, moving forward with humility and peace of heart. Remember all those who have helped fill the void when fathers passed or were/are absent- [grandfathers and uncles, brothers and cousins, teachers, pastors and coaches], bless them who served as “Father” figures in lives when biological fathers weren’t able to do so. Give new and future fathers the guidance they need to raise happy and holy children, grounded in a love for You and other people. We ask Your generous blessings today and every day. In Jesus name. Amen!

Remembering, Honoring, and Celebrating – Fatherhood!

Happy Father’s Day!