Forgiving Our Fathers For this?

Fathers are incredible men. They are leaders, providers, guides, teachers, comforters, supporters, CEO’s, caretakers, funny, serious, goofy, hard-working, strong, hairy, determined men who deserve much more than they have been given. Look around at the fathers you see and if yours isn’t what you think he should be; then forgive him and yourself for judging him because who are you?

See; without a father you would not even be here. Let’s get that straight. Yes we know it’s women who give birth because men cry when they get splinters. Bla Bla. But let’s face it; without men where would we be? The ‘Founding Fathers’ weren’t women now were they? Um….. don’t think so.

We need to stop pretending men don’t exist and that they are unnecessary. They are not! We all know  women can bring home the bacon and fry in it a pan- all without men. And that proves what?  The more we remove fathers the more we all suffer and aren’t you tired of suffering?

So now on this day to come we need to step up and thank fathers for being who they are. We need to also forgive them. Forgive them for what you ask?

1. Not stepping up as they should. Why? Because  43% of US children live without their father [US Department of Census]. Need I say more.

2. We need to forgive fathers for allowing women to take away their manhood. Yes that’s a tough one but do it anyway. Mothers; we also forgive you for thinking that it was your place to take away the manhood of a father; regardless of who or where he is.

3. We need to forgive fathers for not being there. Fatherless boys and girls are: twice as likely to drop out of high school; twice as likely to end up in jail; four times more likely to need help for emotional or behavioral problems. [US D.H.H.S. news release, March 26, 1999] Yes I am aware that the courts are more in favor of women, which is why fathers need forgiveness because that father may have tried his best and you just didn’t know it because you were too busy being unforgiving.  Not only this; if your father died too soon forgive him. Yes it’s a tragedy without a doubt and your forgiveness is about your healing and your future.

4. We need to forgive our fathers for not being what we expect them to be. Every one of us has an image of what a father should be. When that father doesn’t measure up; we hold it against him. It’s not his fault he couldn’t measure up to something he didn’t know existed. Forgiveness will heal your heart and change that relationship.

5. Forgive yourself if you have a father you have not honored. You may not think you got all that you deserved from your father and you are probably right; but hey at least you have one. I know I have one since I am alive but I’ve never met him. I had to forgive that man for not even being around at any part of my life. Once I did; every single thing changed.

Fathers are wonderful men that need desperately to be celebrated. They need not be pushed into silent suffering any longer. On this Fathers’ Day truly reflect on the father you have, the father you are; and even the father you want to be. While he may not be perfect remember; you aren’t either but don’t let it stop you from trying.