Every year the third Sunday in June is the day that we pay special homage to our fathers. They deserve honor just as our mothers do. However, Dads are sometimes overlooked on this special day, and we don’t always “go out on a limb” for Dad as we do Mom. My dad, the late Deacon Kalip Stevens, went home to be with the Lord on December 16, 1999. He was the shining example of a husband, father, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, friend, and man of God. When I prepared the obituary for his Homegoing service, I referred to him as a “rare gem,” and that, he truly was. Did we always see eye-to eye? No, we did not, but I had a level of respect and love for him that was beyond measure. His family was always first, and I will never forget him for that! Daddy was in every way a father to be emulated.
Some fathers do not always set very good examples in their homes for their children, yet they have expectations for them in which they do not live up to. Further, there are those fathers who mistreat their children, show favoritism among the children, and there are some who do not own or support their children. For this, God is not pleased. The Lord gives the rules very plainly and clearly for the Christian household in Colossians 3:18-21(ESV): “Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.” When fathers don’t do the right thing by their families, the pain is great. However, children, let God punish the wrong because He said in Exodus 20:12 (ESV), “Honor your father and your mother…,” and remember that He doesn’t say under what conditions. Then there are wonderful, loving fathers out there who would “give their right arm” for their children and think nothing of it. Another shining example of a wonderful dad, of course, is my husband, Herman G. Bright. He has the utmost respect for me as his wife, and he is an awesome father and grandfather. Daily, he shows his daughter how a man should treat his wife. My three sons have grown to love and respect him immensely! Clergyman James Faust affirmed, “Any man can be a father, but it takes a special person to be a dad.”
Dads, set that example so your children will be there for you. However, children, don’t live to regret not being there for your fathers when you should have, especially if it is out of your own selfishness. Happy Blessed Father’s Day to All Fathers! Always abound in the faith, and never leave home without Him!
