My father has always loved being a father. I know this to be true. I’m the oldest and when I was born, he thought having a daughter was the coolest thing ever. My father is the daddy to three daughters. If he ever wanted a son, he’s never let us know. We have never felt ashamed that he ended up with three girls. On the contrary, he seems to be ridiculously happy and proud of his girls. And, for all intents and purposes, his feelings are valid. He has raised (along with A LOT of help from my amazing mama) three strong, independent, smart, and kind daughters. Three daughters who are trying to put good into the world. Three daughters who love the Lord and have a personal relationship with their Heavenly Father. We are all different. We have different strengths and different dreams and certainly different temperaments, but we are the same in having a father who understands his calling as a father.

Call it luck or just being extremely blessed, but I also have a “present” father. He supports and learns about everything I love. He has always been there to guide me, teach me, and discipline me when needed. He has expectations. He holds me accountable. Even at 33 I know that he is the parent, I am the child. He also makes sure I vote in every election, God love him. Obviously, having a father who finds joy in my happiness and feels pain when I hurt has helped me pick myself up, brush myself off, and move forward after my divorce. I feel love because he has made sure I feel love. He has guaranteed that I know, not only does he love me, but God loves me.

But what about those precious humans who don’t have a “present” father? What about the children who grow up without a father who not only gives his love freely, but also demands respect, who teaches them how to be a responsible member of society? What do you do if you don’t have a man who leads you from being a baby Christian to becoming an adult who stands strong in their faith? Sadly, I feel that my father is in the minority. Too many young souls are stumbling, lost on this planet, because they lack an earthly father.

My small voice, on my little blog, may not reach the masses. I may never be heard on a grand scale. My thoughts may not mean much to this world, but that doesn’t mean that I stop thinking. Or speaking. Or writing. God calls every father to rise up. Yes, that means you! If you are blessed enough to be a father, then God is calling you. He is calling you to light the way for your child. He is calling you to own your role in your child’s life. He is calling you to be the spiritual head of your household. You better be honoring your child’s mother. You better be guiding your family in the word of God. You better be leading by example. You better be on your knees, seeking God’s guidance in every aspect of your life. Is it hard? I can’t even imagine, but these are not options. These are requirements. Demands. Commandments.

I stand because my father taught me to walk. I keep moving because my father won’t let me fall. I survive because my father gave me strength. I am bound for Heaven because my father showed me to whom I truly belong…I am, ultimately, a child of God.

Calling all fathers: Rise up! Be Present! Stand for your child and your God.

Deuteronomy 6:6-9 “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframe of your houses and your gates.”