Day 38 - Psalm 112

There is an epidemic consuming Americans by the thousands: V1N2. It mostly attacks individuals who are just reaching puberty, but does have effects on adults. While studies of these effects in children show that the V1N2 negatively impacts them, symptoms are typically not as severe as those found in teenagers and adults. Race seems to play a small factor in efficacy of transmutation, but once transmitted all races are effected equally. The cause for this is still unknown and under investigation. The virus appears to be exclusively transmitted from parents to offspring. Method of transmission remains unknown. For those that are infected as teens or adolescents, there is a very high incidence of symptoms causing severe long term damage to the individual who will then become a carrier for life. The epidemic is spreading quickly and in fact, your home may already be infected.

While most people would take the above warning about an impending health crisis seriously and take steps to defend their family, fewer men are willing to step up to defend their home from the epidemic of fatherlessness. V1N2 isn’t real but think about how quickly people reacted when a real health warning came along. When H1N1 was sweeping the country people quickly and readily took precautions to guard themselves and their children from the virus. People were vigilant, focused, and took the threat of getting physically sick very seriously. However, many of those same parents would scoff at the notion that they need to be more focused and involved their children’s lives and spiritual growth. While modern times bring about different words, being a “latch-key-kid” is only the new name for an old problem. 

Psalm 112 speaks about how great things will be for the family, and specifically the father who follows and trusts in the Lord. Sadly though, many kids are raised today without a father in the home. While it would be a mistake to downplay either parent’s role in the raising of a child, God clearly calls the father to be the leader of the family. So why is it that so many men are unwilling (not unable) to step up and take on this role? Because it is hard. It is probably one of the hardest things that a man can do with his life. It is a job that will take up every hour of every day for the rest of his life. He will learn the true highs and lows of life by raising an innocent child into a godly adult. Their truly is no higher calling then this. So many men today, and yes our world in general, see being a father as being able to procreate. This however, has nothing to do with being a real father. A real father will sacrifice. A real father will give until he has no more. A real father will support you even when they don’t agree. A real father will love you even in your lowest state. A real father will defend you for life from all that is wrong. A real father will be the one who holds your hand, steps out first to make sure it is safe, and lovingly guides you all the way. He will be the greatest man you will ever know. 

If you are reading this as a single mother: know that I am incredibly sorry for the role that has been thrust upon you that you can never fully fill. If you are a victim of absentee fathering: my heart aches for you for the loss that you feel for a man you barely know. And if you are reading this as a man I simple ask you to look deep and examine yourself. Examine your calling by God to lead. Examine Psalm 112 for the guidance and the goodness that comes to the children and the fathers who follow God’s commandments. I have met many men who have said, "I would give my life for my child if they were in danger." and no doubt they would. That is why I say to each of the fathers who read this: your child is in danger of losing themselves, their future, their family, and  their love of God. The only question is will you give your life in sacrifice and dedication to God’s glory so that the light of His love will reflect through you to guide your children to HIm?

- submitted by Nolan Davis