Came across this article and would like to share with you guys:
In my experience as a teacher, pastor, foster parent, and parent I realize that many have not had a dad to father them through life – even among those who had fathers there are many who felt they missed out on something important in their relationship.
I was privileged to grow up with a great Father. Even though I came from a family of seven siblings, dad regularly took time to talk to me, teach me about life, and give me fatherly advice. I fondly remember Saturday morning chats during my teenage and college years. It really gave me a great start in life.
A dad’s guidance of right from wrong, faith in God, the importance of family, is so important to the success of a child’s life. Being a Father is so much more than simply having a child with someone. If every dad really thought about the legacy he would leave behind, his life would be lived quite differently.
Proverbs 13:22 reads, "A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children..." (NIV)
I found that the word Father: ‘pater’ (in Greek) is from a root word signifying: "A Nourisher, Protector, and Upholder." The word father is not merely a title but a function.
Notice that the above verse from Proverbs defines who is a good man; it does not focus on the title or the fact that he is a biological father. Instead, the emphasis is on the inheritance. I believe the inheritance mentioned in this verse isn’t about money, I believe it’s talking about the legacy a man leaves in the lives of his children and others he has the privilege of affecting.
When you look back at your childhood, teen years and young adulthood, how do you feel about the legacy your father seeded into your life? If your father was less than ideal, if he was overstressed, worked too much or spent little time with you – do you feel a sense of loss? It’s perfectly normal.
What if your father was abusive, physically or emotionally? If he belittled you and caused you to doubt your value, you probably feel more than loss. There’s a space in your heart that never knew the nourishment and protection you were supposed to receive. It isn’t easy walking through life with a gaping void where a father’s love was meant to dwell.
Here’s some good news. The loving support you missed early on has certainly influenced your life and caused you pain – but there is a way to fill the void. There is a Father who longs to love and protect you – even now as an adult – even now as you may be a mother or father yourself.
I was privileged to grow up with a great Father. Even though I came from a family of seven siblings, dad regularly took time to talk to me, teach me about life, and give me fatherly advice. I fondly remember Saturday morning chats during my teenage and college years. It really gave me a great start in life.
A dad’s guidance of right from wrong, faith in God, the importance of family, is so important to the success of a child’s life. Being a Father is so much more than simply having a child with someone. If every dad really thought about the legacy he would leave behind, his life would be lived quite differently.
Proverbs 13:22 reads, "A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children..." (NIV)
I found that the word Father: ‘pater’ (in Greek) is from a root word signifying: "A Nourisher, Protector, and Upholder." The word father is not merely a title but a function.
Notice that the above verse from Proverbs defines who is a good man; it does not focus on the title or the fact that he is a biological father. Instead, the emphasis is on the inheritance. I believe the inheritance mentioned in this verse isn’t about money, I believe it’s talking about the legacy a man leaves in the lives of his children and others he has the privilege of affecting.
When you look back at your childhood, teen years and young adulthood, how do you feel about the legacy your father seeded into your life? If your father was less than ideal, if he was overstressed, worked too much or spent little time with you – do you feel a sense of loss? It’s perfectly normal.
What if your father was abusive, physically or emotionally? If he belittled you and caused you to doubt your value, you probably feel more than loss. There’s a space in your heart that never knew the nourishment and protection you were supposed to receive. It isn’t easy walking through life with a gaping void where a father’s love was meant to dwell.
Here’s some good news. The loving support you missed early on has certainly influenced your life and caused you pain – but there is a way to fill the void. There is a Father who longs to love and protect you – even now as an adult – even now as you may be a mother or father yourself.
Author Resource:- Steve Scheer is a pastor and life coach. Husband and father to five grown children, he has a heart to reach those who need someone to talk to. Visit him at his blog, ADadToTalkTo.com
(*Image taken from http://www.wondercliparts.com/holidays/fathers_day/cliparts-details.html?id=702)
12 comments:
Many people become better parents because of their painful past. My manager was one of them. He didn't have a dad growing up because his parents divorced when he was a toddler. Now that he's a father, he made a point of being their for his kids. I believe he never missed any of his kids sports games or school performance. I also have a wonderful father who worked very hard to provide for his family.
I was blessed with an amazing Dad! I hope you have a great day today!
Mama Hen
I have an amazing dad and enjoyed blogging about him today :) Love the verse Proverbs 13:22, thanks for the reminder on this special day!
I have a wonderful Dad and thanks God have a great husband who is an amazing dad.
I used to be daddy's pet. Short lived. Parents got divorced when I was 6. He visit occasionally but not the same anymore. Glad you have a perfect dad.
Thanks guys for dropping by my blog and commenting of the Father's day post :)
Hi, so glad I found your blog through SITS. I admire your dedication to motherhood. I really love finding blogs like that. You do a good job of having that out there.
Thank you! I'm following you now.
Hello The Empress!
Thanks for the follow! I have just returned the favor by following you! Hope to see you back here some time! :D
I have a great earthly father...but he is not perfect...I am so thankful though...that my Heavenly father knew and saw the areas lacking and provided for me through other men throughout my life...to advise and guide when my dad was too close to the situation to be objective.
Hope you have a great week Jenny! Give Benny kisses for me!
Hey Katie!
Finally an awesome looking profile pic of you! Thanks for dropping by my blog! Still rushing with my project arghhhhhhh...
Stopping from SITS! I am so glad I have two fathers. The first is still learning to be a dad and the second has been one since before time.
You're still young and it's too early to judge you about your not-so-easy job with motherhood. I tell you, that at 64, and with 2 daughters still single at 29 and 31, I'm still doing what you are doing. And there's nothing to take me away on-the-job. Brace up and find this out day by day! Happy SITS Wednesday!
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