Right Here Beside You - the comfort of a Father
“I’m right here beside you, you have nothing to worry about I won’t leave you.” The words my dad repeated to me when I was learning how to ride my banana seat, streamers from the handle bars, purple bike in 1971. I remember it clear as day. Of course it had training wheels on so really, there was no reason to worry, but I was none the wiser. I had support from the bike and support from my father, why should I even consider having any fear whatsoever- yet, there I was. An excited, still very nervous, six year old. Trying to trust but having no prior experience that I wouldn’t crash and harm myself badly. Which, let’s be real, if left to my own devices could end tragically.
This real life story has so many illustrations that reflect how we, daughters of our Heavenly Father, behave (not just once, oh wouldn’t that be nice if we were those kind of students who listened once to the instruction of their teacher and did the wise thing) yet we need constant reminders and redirecting, don’t we? At least I do.
God the Father is all knowing, all powerful, and ever present. Just waiting for us to come to Him - for support, direction, love, conviction, correction, and guidance. Waiting, patiently to rescue, redeem, and restore us. Our health, hearts, and happiness. Our relationships, work, and purpose.
Right there! Right beside us.
Just like me on my bike. He meets us where we’re at. Never judging how many mistakes we’ve made, how much we believed we’ve messed up, or taken Him for granted. God always give a us second, third, fourth, and on and on, chances to learn, grow, and transform. It’s never too late!
“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8
Sadly there are fathers who have not be present or invested in their kids. In plain language some dads just suck. They don’t assume responsibility for raising a child (emotionally, physically, financially, spiritually) it’s a crisis as far as I understand it. In fact, Statistics Canada reports that “12.8 percent of Canadian children live in fatherless households. The impact of a fatherless home has far reaching effects on these children being that 1 in 4 children would experience 4 times greater risk of poverty, and be more likely to have emotional and behavioural problems”.
While God exists, for everyone, not everyone has come to know Him. And some, have rejected Him, for various reasons - church hurt and hypocrisy being the leading cause, followed by men in general behaving poorly. When dads don’t show up or step up it actually puts a burden on society and impacts the development of fatherless children. According to an article in BC Parent “they (kids) are more likely to go to prison or commit crime, females are 7 times more likely to become pregnant as a teen, be more likely to face abuse and neglect, they are also more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol, and twice more likely to drop out of school. These indicators highlight the enormous risks these children face throughout their lifetime”. Yet Jesus command us all, men in this case, to help carry that burden.
How can men help?
If you are a dad, be the best one you can
If you can’t, get help
Foster kids in healthy ways
Adopt a child who needs a present and responsible dad
Join an organization that mentors children and youth like Big Brothers or your local church- youth & young adults programs
Help our single moms, take their kids to their extracurricular activities, offer to have coffee/ice cream chats with fatherless kids
Pray for them
Share the love of Christ
These are tangible ways that are actually quite easy , percent simple, but would make a huge difference in a kid”s life! This is what it means to be the ”hands and feet “ of Jesus. It’s practical love, lived out.
Guys, Dads, is there anyone in your life that you can make a difference by coming alongside them letting them know you’ll not only be there to support them on, but also be there to catch them when they fall?
Thinking back to my own experience of learning to ride and bike or how to drive a manual car, my dad was there to help lessen my fear and give me courage. For all the times my dad wasn’t or couldn’t be with me, I leaned on the Lord. Still do.
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
Happy Fathers Day!
