Words Of Encouragement To Start The Day (Tuesday 02/09/10)

Today’s Devotional Written By A Woman Who Has Learned Who Is A Father To The Fatherless: Tracy Koweh

Blood is Thicker than Water
A Father is Love

Ephesians 6:4 (New Living Translation)
4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.

As far back as I can remember my birth father has always been in and out of my life. Coming and going when it was most convenient for him, and showing up and acting as if He should receive an award of some kind, for his appearance. Then there was my first step father, who came and went, and then my mother and my second step father divorced. Although both of my step fathers had children of their own, they both had some what rocky foundations with their children from previous relationships. So other than my years living with my grandfather, I have not truly seen the love of a father exhibited until my cousin Damon had his first child.

Damon was a young black man living in St.Louis, but he didn’t allow the stereotypes of his environment to shape the destiny that was to be his future, or the future of his child. I’ve always told him that I respect him for stepping up and doing the right thing. He has had other children since then, and each of his children know and love him. To the best of my knowledge, he has never allowed baby mama drama, friends, his life, or his wants to hinder his responsibilities or distract him from his role in his children's lives.

I remember speaking to his oldest sister a few years back, she said that no matter how mad his kids got at him, they always knew he would be there. What a statement, to be able to say about any man and the relationship he has with his children. Jesus was faced with the cross, and although He didn’t want to go, He was able to because He knew His father would be present. I do believe it is important for every child to have a father in their lives. There are some things that a woman will never be able to do for a child that only a man can do.

I loved and appreciated all the support I had growing up, but there was always that missing piece in my heart, that was for a father. A steady man to love and protect me. A father is suppose to direct a child in the path that God has ordained for them. He is to give them instruction and help them prepare for the battles ahead of them. To a son a father should be a role model, and to a daughter he should be a hero. Fathers are suppose to be accountable and dependable, and always there. It’s not about the size of the bank account, how many numbers are in that black book, or how macho a man can be. To a child it’s all about the love, time and commitment that you give them.

Today celebrate a strong father you know. Tell him how much you love and appreciate him. And let us not forget the Father of all Fathers. Let us give Him all the honor, glory and praise. Let us be children of the King in all that we do.