Importance of a Father #2

Still not convinced that fathers play an important role in the home? Check out the stats Donald Miller placed in his book, "To Own a Dragon". 

63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes - 5 times the average. (U.S. Dept. of Health/Census)

85% of all children who show behavior disorders come from fatherless homes - 20 times the average. (Center for Disease Control)

80% of rapists with anger problems come from fatherless homes - 14 times the average. (Justice & Behavior, Vol. 14 p.403-26)

71% of all high school dropouts come from fatherless homes - 9 times the average. (National Principals Association Report)

75% of all adolescent patients in chemical abuse centers come from fatherless homes - 10 times the average. (Rainbows for All God's Children)

70% of youths in state-operated institutions come from fatherless homes - 9 times the average. (U.S. Dept. of Justice, Sept. 1988)

85% of all youths in prison come from fatherless homes - 20 times the average. (Fulton, CO. Georgia, Texas Dept. of Correction)

www.belmontfoundation.org

Men we need to step up!  Please add your thoughts.

The Importance of a Father

I will finish the 10 things that rob us of joy but I wanted to share some thoughts of mine.

What is it like to grow up without a positive influence from a father? Often I feel like I was dropped into the wilderness and told to survive alone. There was no one to warn me about dangers, no one to show me how to find shelter, and no one to guide me home. I feel like I missed out on information that was essential early on. I needed someone to tell me the dangers of pornography, I needed someone to show me that God takes us in under his wings, and I needed someone to remind me that following Christ is difficult but worth it. My Heavenly Father has since taught me these things, but I carry the scars of someone who learned much to late. On top of all this is pride. Because I grew up without a father, I think I can now do everything on my own. This causes me to isolate myself, not have compassion on those struggling, and become defensive when others try to teach me. There is hope though. Because of Christ, I am able to say a few things. The first is that I forgive my earthly father, the second is that I want to see my earthly father in heaven, and the third is that I am able to understand the difference between my earthly father and Heavenly Father. (The last of these I am so grateful for because I know not everyone can) Why do I post this? Partly to help me heal the hurt inside and partly to help others who struggle. There is hope my friends and it is found in the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ.