The Power of Fatherhood
WRITTEN BY: Gabriel Baker
Many guys think that dropping a few dollars on their “Seeds” gives them the right to receive a gift on Father’s Day. Guess what playas; it’s definitely not that simple. Some guys also feel that if they pay child support on time each month they are upholding their fatherly duties. What? Are they really serious? It’s not a surprise that the English dictionary doesn’t list a specific definition of father, so let me break off a little knowledge about fatherhood. Fatherhood is a position that cannot be held by boys. It is a MEN’S ONLY CLUB. That’s right. You have to be a man before you can even begin to think of qualifying for it. Some will have to research the real definition of being a man, but that will be another article in itself. When a man steps into fatherhood, immeasurable power is placed into his hands to shape a special gift that will honor, cherish and respect him for all his days. Fatherhood is a very demanding position that if done correctly will require on-call 24 hour shifts, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. Fatherhood is not only a position, but it is a lifestyle. A balance of love and discipline has to be maintained on a consistent basis. I have had many conversations with guys that have children and most of them don’t realize how much power that is available to them that they don’t use! If this power is abused, ignored or neglected, there will be extreme consequences. These consequences could include your child failing school, being incarcerated, or even worse, death. Use your power wisely and their first smiles, first steps, first words, will all turn into your smiles on Graduation Day as they step to receive their diplomas. I know that this article will offend a few of you, but ahhhh well. It’s time that someone put this out there. For hundreds of years, Black men have been stereotyped to be breeders and a few of you have fueled the fire for this unjust accusation. We have the opportunity to destroy the untrue picture that has been painted. Fellas, our children need us to survive in this world and if you are not a major part of their lives, you have failed as a man. There is no excuse on God’s green earth that should prevent you from being a true father to your children. Real men stand up and embrace the power of fatherhood! |
