Faithful Friday / The Importance of DADs

[So thankful for all the good dads in our family. I couldn't share pics of them all so I decided to feature the ones with children ages 1 and under! I hope I didn't leave anybody out!]

Malachi 4:6 has been on my heart lately,

"And He shall turn the heart of the father's to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers"

I am hearing and reading so much about this generation being the most "fatherless" generation (outside of war eras were dads were fighting for our country). It is so sad that so many children are being raised in fatherless homes for various reasons.

The reasons aren't as important as the damaging effect that fatherlessness is having on children's lives.

The statistics are not just sobering. They are horrifying!

- 75% of prisoners grew up without a father

- 90% of homeless and runaway children are from fatherless homes

- 80% of rapists motivated with displace anger come from fatherless homes

- 71% of pregnant teenagers lack a father

- 71% of high school dropouts come from fatherless homes

- 63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes

- 85% of children who exhibit behavioral disorders come from homes where the dad is absent

- 75% of adolescent patients in chemical abuse centers come from fatherless homes

- 90% of adolescent repeat arsonists live with only their mothers

[These statistics were copied from Leif Hetland's book, Healing The Orphan Spirit.]

I told you the stats were horrifying! This is why Father has had me crying out on behalf of the fatherless children. I've been praying Malachi 4:6 back to Him. Reminding Him of His Word that He is going to turn the father's hearts to the children and the children's hearts to the fathers. The verse continues,

" Lest I come and strike the earth with a curst." Wouldn't you agree with me that those statistics are definitely a curse?

Brothers and sisters, would you please join me in interceding for the children of our nation?

If we humble ourselves and seek His face and pray, HE WILL HEAL OUR LAND and BLESS OUR CHILDREN!

*I just want to say a special SHOUT OUT to all you dads that are daily in the trenches, standing the the place of authority in your homes, being godly examples for your children and others that are looking on . . . Heaven is taking full note and I applaud you in Jesus name! Keep up the good work!