Fatherlessness in America is a growing problem. It’s most often absenteeism through divorce; it may be caused by death, or 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 children are growing up without a biological father in the home. More than half of all American children are now born to unmarried parents; even more among poor, minority populations.”
Until we effectively address this cultural epidemic through a deep and tender relationship with Father God, the disruption of our children’s spiritual and emotional maturity, and the American cultural devastation will continue to escalate.
The problem of fatherlessness is rooted in selfishness; motivating decisions that make children’s deep needs secondary to those of adults involved. The effects of fatherlessness on boys and girls 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.
Enduring cultures have strong family bonds across generations. In America, the generational bonds between grandfathers, fathers and children have deeply eroded so that many children have no information or interest in their heritage. This generational disconnect is always the beginning of 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, young men also need 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 tainted and 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 strong, loving relationship with their fathers, as opposed to those who do not.
But, whether we have a loving relationship with earthly parents or not, the only permanent source for having our need for acceptance and approval fully met is a continually deepening relationship with our Heavenly Father. 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 our inner being is essential for receiving the abundant life Jesus died to give us. His life in us frees us progressively from fear of failure, humiliation, and rejection, as well as the bondage of struggling constantly to please everyone all the time. Realizing who we are and who our Heavenly Father is are not optional extras that we can choose to believe if we feel like it; it is foundational Truth that impacts every area of life.
Infinite Grace Ministries teaches freedom and abundant living by focusing on the limitless love and mercy of God. Call 580-774-2884 for more information, or to schedule a personal appointment today!
Send your questions and comments to: Dr. Dixie Yoder [email protected]
