Father’s Day does not get the same overwhelming celebration as Mother’s Day. Fathers have an important role in the family and in the lives of their children. There are many quiet good fathers and specifically good black fathers and we need to celebrate them . This month as we celebrate Father’s Day let’s honor and pray for fathers, who may not be perfect, but who love their children, train their children, protect their children and have good relationships with their children. The week prior to Father’s Day I challenge you to share positive comments and reflections about your father, father figures, grandfathers, mentors and committed men. Please share your story and comments.
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A couple of years ago on Radio station 1200 AM in the city of Detroit, John Mason, of Mason in the Afternoon, was asking for positive reflections and comments about one’s father, grandfather or a father figure. One reflection, by a man who called into the radio station to comment, touched my heart. He stated that his father taught him many things by his actions. ” I learned how to be a father and the protector of my family from my father”, he proudly said. He went on to explain that “When I was about 7 years old I went “trick or treating” on Halloween with some friends”, said the caller. “ A bigger boy stole our bags. All I could remember was seeing a flash go by and jump the fence. Next thing I knew I had my Halloween bag back. It was my father who jumped that fence. He had been watching and covering me all the time”.
That story brought tears to my eyes because the actions of the father symbolized the love the heavenly Father has for us in that he watches over us and protects us. For the now grown caller it taught him how to watch over his family. Another gentleman called in and stated he “learned how to respect women because of how he saw his father respect and treat his mother”.
The admiration Kim Bracey has for her father shines through every time she speaks of him. Kim Bracey will tell you she thought her father was “God” for the longest because he provided for her and was there every time she needed him. Rene Wallace shared that her over 70 year old father , who has now passed, still talked as if this middle aged daughter was his responsibility. Jeanette Johnson’s father has been dead for over 20 years but she talks about her father frequently with love and respect. Her honor and respect for his wisdom radiates from her heart for this man who only had a third grade education, but was full of wisdom, strength, and integrity. Her father was a “good Provider” for his children and adored his wife. He owned land and property and feed neighbors who were poor. When Jeanette speaks of him you can hear and feel the respect and honor she has for him. It touched my heart to hear their comments.
Please share your positive experience with your father and what your relationship means to you.
Linda Fegins , The Prayer Leader prayactwrite@gmail.com or ldfaygo@gmail.com
