The Power of a Father

Imagine trying to dress with only one hand. At first, you might think you can manage, but as you continue, it becomes harder. The absence of the other hand causes strain, not just on your other hand, but on your entire body. Putting on clothes becomes unstable, painful, and exhausting. The same happens when the father figure is absent. His absence leaves the family imbalanced, vulnerable, and struggling. The emotional, physical, and spiritual strain falls heavily on the rest of the family, especially the mother. At the same time, children growing up without a father face deeper emotional and behavioral challenges that often follow them into adulthood.

Father’s Day is near; it’s time to pause and recognize something our culture often overlooks. Fatherhood is not optional; it’s essential. Too often, Father’s Day passes with far less celebration than Mother’s Day, but that doesn’t reflect the truth. The roles of moms and dads are different yet equally vital. A father’s love, presence, guidance, and protection are irreplaceable. Yet nearly 1 in 4 children in the U.S. live without a biological, step, or adoptive father in the home (U.S. Census Bureau). We are witnessing the effects of the absence of father figures in homes. According to the National Fatherhood Initiative, children growing up without fathers are:

• 4x more likely to live in poverty

• 7x more likely to become pregnant as a teen

• More likely to drop out of school

• More likely to struggle with substance abuse

• More likely to suffer abuse or neglect

• More likely to go to prison

But when fathers are present and engaged, they provide strength, protection, and nurturing that shape a child’s identity, confidence, and sense of security. Their presence uplifts not only the children but the mothers too. When parents share love, work, and responsibility, everyone flourishes. Another often-ignored truth: Men need emotional support, too. Men need to feel heard and appreciated. Society often teaches boys and men to be tough and silent, to suppress tears, and to carry burdens alone. But this silence is costing lives. In 2022, men died by suicide nearly 4 times more than women. This pattern has persisted for decades: in 2024, nearly 80% of suicide deaths were among males. Men died by suicide at a rate of 21.6 per 100,000, compared to 6.4 per 100,000 for women. Let’s change that. Let’s encourage our boys, husbands, fathers, and brothers to express emotions. Let’s remind them that strength includes vulnerability and that needing help is never a weakness. This Father’s Day, Let’s Honor and Celebrate Dads in Meaningful Ways:

Tell him how much he matters. A call, a handwritten note, or a quiet conversation, words of affirmation go a long way.

Relive a memory. Look at old photos, ask him about a childhood story, or revisit a place you once enjoyed together.

Cook or bake something together. Food brings people close, sharing a meal, a sweet treat, or a grilling afternoon.

Pray with him and for him. Lift him in prayer and ask God to bless his mind, heart, and role as a father.

Do something, he enjoys. Whether helping with a project, joining him in a hobby, or just sitting and talking, be present.

Share words of legacy. Ask about life, his faith, and his hopes, and capture the wisdom he carries.

To all the fathers, both those with us and those we remember, thank you. To stepdads, adoptive dads, soon-to-be dads, spiritual dads, thank you for your sacrifices, strength, tenderness, and presence. The world needs you. Your families need you. You are irreplaceable.

Happy Father’s Day. You are deeply loved and greatly valued.