Strength and Honor

Fathers have historically been our protectors, providers, and leaders. They are the strength that keeps us safe, the wisdom that guides us to prosperity, and the courage that gets us through the tough times. Without the fathers in our lives, we would not survive.

Mothers are seen as the foundations to every family, but fathers are the carpenters that keep a family together. If a crack begins to form, fathers work extra hours, not only to fix the fracture, but also make the home stronger than before.

Lately, it seems a dad's job becomes increasingly more difficult everyday. Society has evolved in a way that now requires both parents to work just to make end's meet. This takes the mom out of the home and puts the children under the care of outside influences, such as public school systems. These external exposures tend to lead children down paths not inline with parental beliefs and ethics. Therefore, expected compliance is replaced with unfounded resistance.

What is a father to do in the face of disrespect and opposition?

Stay strong and never backdown.

If your children see you falter, they will continue to push until you no longer resist. Parenting is a lifetime of battles, but it should never be looked at as a war. That said, choose wisely which battles you decide to fight. Not every battle needs to be won. Think about what you expect to get out of the disagreement and determine if it is worth the contention.

Compromise is sometimes a necessity for survival in the journey of parenthood. If your little one does not want to eat their vegetables, is it worth a battle, or would it make more sense to find a comparable alternative for them to eat? Compromise does not mean giving in but rather finding a common middle ground that appeases both sides.

The battles worth every fight are those that enstill the core values you want your children to adapt. What means the most to you? Honor? Loyalty? Honesty? Our obligation as parents is to guide our children down a path that makes them better than ourselves. We learned from our mistakes, and we use those hard learned lessons to teach our young of the good and bad sides of everything.

Though it may seem as if they are not listening, they do hear you. Right now, they are testing the limits to see how far they can push the boundaries. I know it is frustrating. They ultimately have to learn the hard way, much like you did at their age. Do not pretend you were not a heathen at some point in your adolescent years.

Throughout my life, I have had so many influential father figures guide me to where I am today. Though my father died when I was a baby, his presence through my family and simple genetics is the basis of my soul.

A few years later, my (step)dad took on a role he never had to, but he did with such dedication. His guidance taught me the true values of honor and loyalty. He is and always will be my first hero.

Almost 10 years ago, I met the most influential man in my life, my husband. Just a short couple years after we married, he became a proud father of our little girl. Not long thereafter, he was made a father again, this time to a little boy that looks just like him. Today, I could not be more proud of the father he has become to our little ones. He makes the tough decisions when my emotions cause me to hesitate. He is firm and fair, while being gentle and loving when we need it the most.

Nobody is without their faults, especially on the toughest of days. However, without the fathers in our lives standing tall as our guiding lights, those tough days would allow our faults to consume us.

Sons, continue to look up to your father, as he is teaching you how to be the best dad you can be when you are ready for the same role. He is leading by example, so follow in his footsteps.

Daughters, do not ever stop being a daddy's girl. Your love is what truly keeps them going. You are his entire world, do not let anyone tell you otherwise.

Thank you, dads, for all you do for us. Happy Father's Day!