Fatherlessness in America is a growing problem. It’s most commonly absenteeism through divorce; it may be caused by death or it may be neglect or the inability to parent effectively because of generational brokenness.
Research shows that a father’s spiritual leadership is more likely to be followed by children; compared to a mother attempting to fill the spiritual role. Fathers in the Field, an organization that mentors fatherless boys says, “twenty-four million American boys are growing up fatherless. More than half of American children are now born to unmarried parents. Highest percentages are among poor, minority populations.”
Until we effectively address this cultural epidemic through spiritual instruction, the disruption of children’s spiritual and emotional maturity and the American cultural devastation will continue to escalate.
The problem of fatherlessness often grows in selfishness that motivates decisions that make children’s deep needs secondary to those of adults involved. The effects of fatherlessness on children are far reaching: 1. Fatherless children commit 72% of adolescent murders.
2. 70% of juveniles and 67% of prison inmates are fatherless.
3. 60% of rapists come from fatherless homes.
4. Fatherless children are 30% more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol; twice as likely to drop out of school and 11 times more likely to exhibit violent behavior.
Strong cultures have strong generational bonds. In America, the generational bonds between grandfathers, fathers and children have deeply eroded. This generational disconnect results in significant cultural decline.
To become a man, a boy must have a male role model, and ideally, it shouldn’t be only his father. Even with a strong father figure, a young man also needs an interactive community of men to provide various models of what productive adult men do. A fatherless boy is prone to apathy—believing he is worthless; or workaholism—trying to prove his value.
When a little girl lacks a good relationship with her father; experiencing absenteeism, rejection or emotional coldness from him, her self-confidence will be warped or completely destroyed. Her expectation of a loving, life-long marriage relationship becomes distorted. She often believes herself lacking in appeal, no matter how pretty, vivacious, lovable, funny, or intelligent she may truly be. She will likely become promiscuous, looking for male acceptance.
Clearly, adult self-confidence can be chosen and developed even if a father hasn’t been present, but the path to self-confidence is very different for the adult man or woman who has a positive relationship with their fathers, compared to those who do not.
Whether we have a loving relationship with earthly parents or not, the only permanent source for having our needs for acceptance and approval fully met is a continually deepening relationship with our Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ. Knowing our true identity—our eternal name—is absolutely essential for developing healthy, loving relationships in our homes, church families, businesses, and communities.
Knowing who we are in Christ is essential for receiving the abundant life Jesus died to give us. As we walk with Him moment by moment every day, His life in us frees us progressively from fear of failure, humiliation, and rejection. Knowing our new identity in Christ is not an optional extra that we can choose to believe if we feel like it; it is a foundational truth that impacts every area of life.
Infinite Grace Ministries teaches Biblical truth about God’s great love toward us in Christ through one-on-one Biblical Guidance ministry, various seminars for your church or small group and regular Bible teaching. You may watch Dr. Dixie’s studies on our updated website: www.infinitegrace.com. Call 580-774-2884 to learn more about how you can partner with us through this essential ministry, or schedule your personal appointment today!
