A Sacred Calling: Fatherhood

Chapter 13:“Honor Thy Father” Key Principles and Practices in Fathering

One of my very favorite Mormon Messages ever!

It secretly excites me to watch my own husband become a father in our future together. 

As you can tell, this chapter is based on fatherhood and the divine roles of being a father. The Family, A Proclamation to the World provides a guideline to fathers and tells them about the responsibilities they are to fulfill for their families.

It states,

"By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families." 

Now a days, a good Dad can be a rare find among the world we live in today. But, I must say, that I do know some of the cream of the crop, fathers, uncles, husbands, grandfathers, cousins, friends, bishops, etc. The church has provided me with faithful and righteous men in my life, who have been able to be examples to me and bless me with their priesthood. I am so entirely grateful for each and every one of them and the roles they have played in my life, no matter the size, especially including my own father. I love you Dad. 

In his talk titled, "Fatherhood, An Eternal Calling" Elder L. Tom Perry stated,

"Satan, in his carefully devised plan to destroy the family, seeks to diminish the role of fathers. Increased youth violence, youth crime, greater poverty and economic insecurity, and the failure of increasing numbers of children in our schools offer clear evidence of lack of a positive influence of fathers in the homes. A family needs a father to anchor it."

"Each person born into the world begins a journey that is often attended by confusion, challenges, and personal risks. The external world of stresses and threats to wellbeing sometimes intrudes upon immediate world of family life. For fathers, a primary life and preparing them over time for the external world  that they will have to navigate as they grow....The image of a father figure as a protective figure is common in scriptural symbolism. Indeed, the ultimate protective figure is the Savior, Jesus Christ, who protects and heals His children from death, sin, and suffering as they come unto Him....One definition of protecting in fathering might be to arouse one's sense of responsibility and actively woe to ensure that children avoid risks or personal harm by modeling positive behaviors, mentoring children in personal abilities, and monitoring their behaviors and environments." (pg. 146)

My Father-

            I have been blessed with a father who has been very involved. He is the head of my family’s household and is a very righteous priesthood holder. My father and I have a different kind of relationship, as in we often bump heads and are very sarcastic with one another. Even so, because of his constant involvement and support for the family, I have always known that he loves my mother, my siblings and me. My father was very stern while I was growing up. He taught my siblings and I the meaning of hard work. He also really liked to teach what he calls, “life lessons” about actions and consequences, and cause and effect.

            My father is a very outgoing man, who has many hobbies. He has instilled a love for the outdoors in me. He has helped me realize that life is not always easy, but we have to keep working hard. He taught me what kind of man I deserve, just through the example he set while I was growing up. He is always happy to greet me, and always walks me out with a kiss and wave as I drive away. My father is everything that a Dad should be, and I know that I am blessed. He has had trials, and he never let us children know about them. He gave us a worry free childhood, even if he had been laid off of his job, or hardly had any money to feed us. Overall, I am thankful for my father. I know that he is the man he is now because of his father and because of his dedication to the gospel. I love him with all of my heart.

Father-daughter dance with my Dad the reception after our wedding!

Love this guy!

My Husband and Future Family-

            When my husband and I decide to have children, we definitely plan to have him be an active and involved father in their lives. My husband adores children and is someone who will definitely dedicate his life to his own someday. My husband loves to play soccer and is a very talented player, we know for sure that he will be directly involved with our children in this aspect. He wants to teach them and pass down his talent and skill, as well as help them find a love and passion for the sport as well.

            My husband is also very passionate about the gospel. When our future children reach the age of

 accountability, he will be directly involved in helping them become righteous members of the church.

He will be able to baptize and confirm them into the church. He will also be able to pass on the 

priesthood to our sons someday as well. He will be able to share with them the gifts and blessings of the

gospel. For our daughters, he will be able to provide priesthood blessings at any given time, in order to help them come closer to the spirit.

The father's of today bear a large burden in raising the next generation and trying to keep them faithful and help them become a covenant people. Father's can make or break the family with his choices and where he sets his priorities. We should be concerned about the way we treat the men in our lives and help them realize their divine potential  to become a righteous father's who will provide, preside and protect. 

Thanks for reading!

-Leah