(ThyBlackMan.com) Fathers’ Day is probably one of the less celebrated holidays because of the pandemic impact of fatherlessness in our society. In fact, most churches will pontificate a strong thunderous message about fathers who do not father and overlook the faithfulness of the men who understand the role of a father in the lives of their children and those they mentor. This in itself is a travesty.
I have often wondered if persons who speak on Fathers’ Day ever consider focusing on those fathers who work hard every day to provide for their families? Perhaps they would focus on fathers who not only work, but help their children with homework, teach them life skills, or attend sporting events to show their love and support for their children. Have we allowed the negativity of fatherlessness to blind us to the good deeds of good fathers?
Allow me to say that I am not proposing that we ignore the impact that fatherlessness has on children. I propose that we spend at least 364 days of the year addressing those issues through community outreach, classes for fathers, and intervention for fathers who struggle with other issues that prohibit them from being the father their children need them to be.
Fatherlessness is an issue for the entire society and its impact does not discriminate. Therefore we must address its short-term and long-term effects in society. However, on Fathers’ Day, good fathers should still matter and should be uplifted and honored at least during this one day out-of-the-year that Fathers’ are recognized nationally.
As a matter of fact, I have a spiritual son; Devin, He is a wonderful father to his beautiful little girl. She simply adores him because of the attention and love that he gives her on a continuous basis. It is amazing to see my son at the age of 27 sitting at a small, tiny table pretending to drink tea out of a tiny tea cup. It is priceless to see the results of him trying to fix her hair, or selecting her outfits for church. I am blessed as I observe her imitate her father clapping his hands, repeating the benediction, or giving in the offering. It demonstrates her learning important aspects of being in relationship with her heavenly Father. Of course the greatest joy is to see Devin embrace her and she simply cuddles in the safety of his arms and she cries out, “Daddy”.
My son’s story is not unique. There are thousands fathers who are being good fathers even if there is no recognition from society. These men understand the impact that they are making on their children and those whom they mentor. It would be wonderful if churches, fraternal organizations, civic leagues and other organizations all around America would proclaim Fathers’ Day a day of recognizing that, “Good Fathers Still Matter”. What would that do for those fathers? Would it encourage them to do more? Would it encourage them to reach out to other fathers? I am confident that it would make a positive impact on the lives of the fathers, children, and society as well.
Let’s not allow the negative stories to hi-jack Fathers’ Day again. Instead, let’s celebrate the men who understand and demonstrate the powerful impact good fathers have in their homes, communities, churches and in the world. Let us shout to the mountain top on Fathers’ Day, Good Fathers Still Matter!
Staff Writer; Kevin M. Jackson
To read more articles by this Christian brother feel free to visit; A Word In Season.
Mr. Jackson has also self published several books; When God Speaks and most recently; Life Lessons For My Sons.
Feel free to connect with him via Twitter; TeachElderJ and Facebook; Elder K. Jackson.