This Father’s Day, faith leaders from across the country spoke to Fox News Digital about the importance of fathers in family life.
Here are some powerful quotes that will stay with you long after your father’s special day has passed.
“One of the most important things in life”
“We all look for our fathers in the stands, young and old, and we all consider a father’s presence and influence, for better or worse, one of the most important factors in our lives,” said Tim Clinton, president of the Lynchburg, Virginia-based American Association of Christian Counselors.
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“Fathers have a profound impact on their children’s lives by what they say and do — or what they don’t say or do,” Clinton told Fox News Digital in an email.
“Fathers in attendance, your children are watching you,” one religious leader said. (Courtesy of iStock, user SeventyFour)
“The research is clear,” he says, “if we can stop the problem of father absence, kids will be better able to handle peer pressure, they will be less likely to fall into substance abuse, they will be more confident in their male and female identities, they will be less likely to suffer from mental health issues, and so much more.”
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“Our prayer is from Malachi 4:6: ‘Turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers.’ Dads out there, your kids are watching you. See you at the game,” Clinton said.
“The only person in the world”
Pastor Jesse Bradley of Auburn, Washington, spoke directly to fathers and said many others ” Work at workEven if they work for you on the weekends with a men’s league team or serve as a volunteer, you are the only person in the world who is a father to your children.”
“You are the only person in the world who is the father of your children.” (iStock)
Bradley, who runs Grace Community Church and is himself a father, said that special role “should be cherished and should be very high on the list of priorities.”
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Bradley told fathers: “Have fun with your kids every day and connect with them. Listen to their concerns, find meaningful activities, give wise advice, make memories with them, read the Bible, open your heart, attend their games, and be there for them.” travelPray with them and try out some of your best dad jokes.”
“Listen to their concerns and find meaningful activities. [and] “Give your children wise advice,” one religious leader told fathers about raising their children. (Courtesy of iStock, user AzmanL)
He also said, “God will be with you every step of your life.”
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And, “The truth is, being grateful and intentional about what you do as a father leads to the deepest joy of fatherhood.”
“Being grateful and proactive as a father leads to deep joy in fatherhood.” (iStock)
“Indispensable to society”
“Ancient pagan civilizations also acknowledged paternity by making their gods eternally male,” Alex McFarland, a youth, culture and religion expert in Greensboro, North Carolina, told Fox News Digital.
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“They understood the importance of men in society, and I think they understood what the current social trend is ignoring — a society that devalues fathers can lead to their deaths,” he said.
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“Fathers are essential to a stable, enduring, morally healthy and economically resilient society,” he said.
