America’s Unsung Heroes

Father’s Day is a special occasion designed by greeting card companies, no doubt, to honor our fathers. And though I think there is a certain commercial angle to the whole occasion that diminishes its effectiveness, I must say that I like the idea of having both a Father’s Day and a Mother’s Day.

After all, the Bible does say, “Honor your father and mother” (Exodus 20:12 NLT).

I don’t think we give enough credit to fathers these days. They deserve a lot of it, especially those who stick by their commitments, those who faithfully stand beside their wives and children. In my book they are the unsung heroes of America today. And their tribe is decreasing.

There are fewer and fewer dads today who are there for their children. Yet a father’s influence is profound, far greater than that of any athlete, rock star, or actor.

I’m reminded of a statement that Mark Twain made: “When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much he had learned in seven years.”

You may not fully appreciate what it is that your father has done for you until you become a parent yourself. Then a lot of those things will come back to you. You will start understanding why he did many of the things he did and why he didn’t do many of the things you thought he should have done.

How important good and godly dads are. I believe America needs them more than ever because of what we’re facing today. Like the old Marine Corps slogan “We’re Looking for a Few Good Men,” I think we could say that we’re looking for a few godly men—men who will stand in the gap, men who will be all that God has called them to be.

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