FATHERHOOD

The problems young people face is quite alarming. As youths we're expected to be vibrant, energetic, focused, responsible, creative, smart and purpose driven but sadly the reverse is the case, only few get it right in life. There are many factors responsible for the tarnished dreams and rightful living of young people nowadays, I've been privileged to have a one on one conversation with youths regarding issues of life and their problems is usually centered on one major factor....Fathers. Sometimes you will hear youths say "I don't know my Dad is" or "my Dad doesn't love me I'm a failure". It's really frustrating to have an unsupportive father.

A father's role in the family is a vital one. He is called upon to be a leader and protector for the family and to give an example of Christ's love (Gen.18:19). Fathers are children's pillars, they are needed in every phase of a child's life. Research shows that children are 20% more likely to end up in jail if their father's are absent or passive. A lot of young people are carrying heavy burdens in their hearts because they are either trying to prove themselves to their fathers or living a miserable life with an absent minded father. Mothers are important but they can't take the role of a Dad. A child's relationship with his/her father is a pivotal one. It's far more important than we've ever realized. To become morally sound, strong and confident, children need their father's love, attention, wisdom, encouragement and protection.

Dear Fathers, if you don't take up your role and pay keen attention to your child's wellbeing the society will do that for you and I can assure you that it won't turn out right. The child needs someone to guide and guard, to criticise(when necessary) and applaud, to instruct and direct on the right path to follow. We need our fathers to stand out and be the men that God has ordained, to walk in the ways and fear of the Lord, the destiny of the children depends on it(Psalm 128:3-4). If you're a family man I plead with you today, go home and love your family. The world would be a better place with active fathers.