By Pr. Rhoda Klein Miller 

Happy Father’s Day weekend! Join us in wearing plaid in tribute to all the great dads, biological, foster, adoptive or spiritual. These men bring us into the world and rise to the challenge of responsibility providing, protecting, passing on skills and shaping the values and character of the next generation. Proverbs 20:7 preserves for us the wisdom of ancient counsel: “Those who live right act with integrity; the children who follow their example are blessed.” Current research and countless studies affirm this. Children without loving, involved fathers or father-figures are 6 times more likely to experience teen pregnancy, 4 times more likely to face poverty, and twice more likely to struggle with obesity, addiction and behavioural problems. We seem hard wired to need the connection and emotional security from a father figure. For those missing the positive benefits of a human father and for those dads facing the pressure to father well there is good news! A connection to our Heavenly Father through daily prayer and study His guiding words through scripture, empowers us to cope with setbacks and challenges. Mayo Clinic researchers conclude people of devout faith generally have better health outcomes, greater longevity and quality of life. Take time today to express your gratitude and appreciation for the influence and support of the father-figures in your life, remembering “Every generous and perfect gift is from above, coming from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of change” (James 1:17).

Read more Words of Hope