What Is A Father? by Sharon K. Connell

Father’s Day is this month, and it has caused me to ponder the role of a father. I’m sure most of you had wonderful dads who did their best in raising you. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a good one. My private life and background is something I generally don’t speak of, but I felt my Lord wanted me to for this article. Therefore, I assume someone out there needs to hear it. Growing up, the way I did, resulted in many problems throughout my life, mostly insecurity.

Fathers play an important part in a child’s life and how they live their lives when they become adults. Although, we can’t blame the choices we make on our fathers, as some psychiatrists would have you believe. We have free will and know right from wrong.

“But every one shall die for his own iniquity: every man that eateth the sour grape, his teeth shall be set on edge.” (Jeremiah 31:30 AKJV)

We are responsible for our own sins. One must make their own decisions, choose right or wrong, and put the past in the past, no matter how hard it might be to do so. If you don’t, it will leave scars and cause problems for the rest of your life.

My dad left me few pleasant memories, very few, because of his abuse. Thank our Lord, he was not as abusive as some men are, but enough to turn me away from him. My mother left him when I was in grade school, but we still had contact, probably because I craved it. During my teen years, I cut him off. I hated him for the things he did.

Many years later, my aunt called to tell me my father was dying, and he wanted me to visit him. I told her I didn’t want to see him. She said he wanted to tell me he was sorry. I was so bitter toward him, that his plea made no difference to me, so I refused. It was the last time I ever heard from my dad or his side of the family.

Anger and hate are two of the best tools the devil can use to cause you pain.

“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:” (Ephesians 4:26 AKJV)

Many more years went by before I forgave my dad. Since then, I’ve regretted not seeing him before he died.

Fathers, never let a day go by when you don’t make it clear to your children that you love them, regardless of their ages. Despite your mistakes, let them know you care. If you’re on the wrong path, get right with God. Protect your children. Provide for them. And be the best example of the dad God meant you to be. You have a perfect Father above who shows you how.

“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4 AKJV)

For those of you who have fathers, never let mistakes, errors in judgment, or any sorrow or pain your dad caused you keep you from forgiving him. After all, your heavenly Father has forgiven you for a lifetime of sin.

And for those of you who didn’t know your fathers, or were separated from them, don’t despair. You have a perfect, heavenly Father who loves you and gave His Own Son to save you from the wrath to come. No one has ever loved you as much as He.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16 AKJV)

“And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6: 18 AKJV)

Now to answer my question, “What Is a Father?” He’s not only a man who produced another human being. Procreation does not make a man a father. A father is a person in your life who loves, protects, provides, and guides you. Someone who may not even be related to you. Possibly a stepdad. My husband’s stepson looks at him as his father because of the important role he’s played. They could be an uncle or close family friend.

While I was growing up, in the shadow and fear of my natural dad, I turned to my heavenly Father. He provided everything my birth father never did. And just like so many rebellious teenagers, I often turned my back on Him. But he was still there for me and accepted me back when I came to my senses.

Other males were there for me through the years. Not many, I regret to say, but some. Then, as I learned to put my trust in my Lord for all things, He provided what I needed.

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33 AKJV)

When I finally learned to trust Him completely, the Lord brought my husband into my life. He’s a good man and sees to my needs. But even if he didn’t, my provision, in every way, would still be taken care of by my heavenly Father.

Always thank God for your father. And, always let your dad, or father figure, know how much you appreciate them.

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 AKJV)

Sharon K. Connell

Author, Sharon K. Connell lives in Houston, Texas from where she writes Christian Romance Suspense, containing a bit of mystery and as much humor as she can get into a story. She’s also written many award-winning short stories in a variety of genres.

Sharon attended college in Illinois, graduated from the Pensacola Bible Institute in Florida, and holds a certificate in fiction writing from the International Writing Program through the University of Iowa.

She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, Scribes Critique Group, Houston Writers Guild, and CyFair Writers. She is also the founder of the global Facebook Christian Writers & Readers group forum. Her monthly newsletter, Novel Thoughts, goes out every month to its subscribers in all parts of the world. Visit the offical website of Sharon K. Connell https://www. authorsharonkconnell.com/