June 10-11 – 'Dads' everywhere

“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” - Ephesians 6:4 (NIV) .

Another year has passed and it's almost Father's Day once again. Sadly, my father is no longer with us, and you know how you do, the mind slips back over the years as I recalled the happy times we were all together as a large, extended family. God blessed me, not only with a good dad but also with terrific brothers who were fine examples to their families of what a husband and father should be. It reminded me of a story I read about a dad who really understood his role.

Some years ago, in a military academy, the students mutinied, probably a reaction to the hard demands of such an environment. The students had gone on strike over everything: lessons, study hours, drill. When word reached their parents, the students began to receive telegrams (no internet and social media in those days), which the principal had in his possession. These messages were like a telescope through which it was possible to look into the various kinds of homes the boy’s were reared in - and the parental relationships connected with them.

One father wired his son, "I expect you to obey." Another said, "If you are expelled from school, you needn’t come home." Still another said, "I’ll send you to an insane asylum if you are sent home." Another said, "I’ll cut you off without a penny if you disgrace the family." But the best message said simply, "Steady, my boy, steady! Father." Now there was a man who believed in his son. Probably there is no greater influence upon a young man than a father who respects the spirit of his son and treats him like a man.

Confidence, mutual respect, open communication, assurance, trust.

I read another true story about a little girl who, during the night, was frightened by a fierce thunderstorm. Her father heard her crying and rushed to her bedside. As he held her in his arms, he explained that she didn’t need to be afraid. God would take care of her because He loved her so much.


"Daddy, I know God will take care of me and love me," she replied. "But right now, Daddy, I want someone with skin on."

In many homes of one-parent families, mum has to be dad too. Are the mums and dads among us building a nest egg of love and security to pass down the generations? - a Christian environment where the prodigal child will always be welcomed, valued and respected, for who they are? When your child recalls the name “Dad” in years to come, will they aspire to follow in your footsteps? Are you “someone with skin on”?

What greater love can a parent emulate than “The Love of God” LIVE. A beautiful song. Click on the picture to listen.