The Power Of Dad

I'm having a good laugh this morning, but only for a moment.

My friends posted a video on social media of their daughter having a tea party. Mom and Dad are sitting on the couch and Mom is getting left out. As she's recording, she keeps asking, if she can of some tea. Her daughter, being a stinker, keeps saying "No" and walking over to Dad and pouring him more tea. She was bummed... laughing, but bummed.

I replied to her #momsnotinvited with #dadsliketeatoo.

What's not funny, though, is the reality of our society. We have been on a steady decline because of our Fathers. It's not entirely their fault. Politics and policies have helped foster the perception that more government help is available when Dads aren't present. The excessive consumer mindset has driven more Dads further into the workplace to help support the lifestyle. The portrayal of Dads on television and film... well, that's a whole other element. Divorce is through the roof and as if Dads being booted aren't enough, they are trash-talked to the community and the kids. This damages relationships (and it goes the other way, against the ex-wife)

As Dr. Meg Meeker explained in an interview this past week, discussing her new book, Hero, most of society's problems can be fixed by restoring Dad's. Drugs are rampant in neighborhoods, in part because we're are relying on police to come after the fact, rather than Dad being present to step in before the fact. Relationships with kids and teens are seeing irreparable damage, because Dad isn't there to daily show and reinforce love, confidence, values, integrity or faith. They aren't learning healthy friendships and relationships because they don't see Dad having valuable friends and a strong marriage.

Thousands of hours and millions of dollars... in government services and resources, in counseling and therapy, in court costs, legal battles, and law enforcement; in community relations and "curb appeal" of neighborhoods, drugs and rehab programs... and there's more you are thinking of, even as you read this.

We are witnessing the generational effects of having begun removing fathers from the picture decades ago and while we cry for their return, we keep looking for other solutions which don't hold a candle to what is truly needed.

They simply need to come home.

Will you join me, this #communitySaturday, as we pray for the return of Fathers and true Fatherhood. Pray for families and communities where Dads are absent and missing. May there be a process of restoration and healing whereby they would be able to step back into the picture. Pray for a movement of men who will step in and stand in the gap. Pray for marriages to be restored. Pray for communities to be brought back to life; that they would be places of hope and healing. May there be a spiritual revival, of Fathers coming to the place of salvation through Jesus Christ; whereby receiving the grace and forgiveness of God, that they would be able to extend to their homes, families and communities.

As the world begins and ends with God,
So, to, does society rise and fall with Fathers.
For while we were made in the image of God
We have been reduced to treatment worse than dogs.
May God forgive us and heal our land.
That we may reflect His character and His glory
To a world and a people desperate to know they are loved.

- PNC

---