In the age of social media, we can fully expect that every May just before Mother’s Day our timelines will be flooded with photos, stories, and tributes to mothers all over the world. A couple of years ago I noticed how this trend was growing even more so than years prior to. However, just one short month later, you could hear the theoretical pin drop on the same feeds when it got close to Father’s Day. I got really upset and publicly asked, “Where’s all the noise for fathers?” In my haste to stick up for the “good dads” that are still out there taking care of their families, I overlooked the pain that so many carry in their hearts over the absence of their father.
I have an idea about what the statistics are, but experience and conversation alone has led me to believe that we are currently seeing the most un-fathered generation to ever walk the earth. It is so common to me to know plenty of people who have never met their dad, never speak to their dad, or their dad made a conscience decision to remain absent in their lives. Then there is a population of those who have a father that has transitioned from this earth, or a father that was in the home physically, but not emotionally or mentally. These scenarios cause this fatherless group to cling to and go the extra mile to praise their mothers who have given blood, sweat and tears to fill in every gap to the best of her ability.
Just as I wanted to give attention to the fathers who are actually present with their families, I want to extend encouragement to the group who may feel a little sting in their hearts every time Father’s Day comes around. You have probably heard it before, but I want to remind you again. God knows everything there is to know about you, including the fact that you would have to tackle life without a father in it. He still says you can do ALL things through Christ’s strength (Philippians 4:13) including make it through each day and your life with courage. He knew you would be in the position you are in and His promise is that He will always be with you, filling every void, and picking up all the slack your earthly father left behind.
Psalm 27:10 (AMP)
Although my father and my mother have abandoned me,
Yet the Lord will take me up [adopt me as His child].
Psalm 68:4-5 (ESV)
Sing to God, sing praises to his name;
lift up a song to him who rides through the deserts;
his name is the Lord;
exult before him!
5 Father of the fatherless and protector of widows
is God in his holy habitation.
Photo Credit: ID 53858890 © Katarzyna Bialasiewicz | Dreamstime.com
