Honoring Fathers – by Ed Dunn

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change – (James 1:17).

It is easier for a father to have children than for children to have a real father – Pope John XXIII

A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society – Billy Graham

By the time a man realizes that maybe his father was right, he usually has a son who thinks he is wrong – Charles Wadsworth

The history of honoring our fathers is not a new idea. Many ancient cultures held traditions that celebrated fathers, and father figures, throughout time. Archaeologists in ancient Babylon have uncovered clay tablets (dating back as far as 4,000 years) inscribed by children who wished their fathers good health and long life. From the times of the Middle Ages, many European countries and cultures have celebrated the importance of fatherhood on St. Joseph’s Day (March 19th), honoring Joseph, the physical father of Jesus. Our more recent Father’s Day traditions have picked up where the ancient traditions began. Our celebration of Father’s Day originated in the United States in the early 20th century.

The first known Father’s Day was observed in 1908 in Fairmont, West Virginia. A service was held, organized by the Fairmont community, to honor 362 men who had died in a tragic mining accident. Two years later, in Spokane, Washington, the special day gained more momentum by honoring Stuart Dodd, a local man who had raised six children as a single parent after his wife had passed away. Churches, civic groups and government officials recognized Dodd’s paternal efforts through difficult circumstances and set aside the date of June 19th (1910) to honor him. In the 1940s, The National Father’s Day Committee was founded in New York City. The founding of such a national committee gave the relatively new holiday broader exposure and credibility. In 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson issued a proclamation designating the third Sunday in June as Father’s Day, and in 1972, Richard Nixon signed that proclamation into law.

Father’s Day is now celebrated around the world. Although celebrated on different dates, and in different ways, the intention of honoring our fathers holds true in each country. Father’s Day has become more than just a day of gifts and cards. The day is often celebrated with festive events, charity fundraisers and meaningful community gatherings. In the United Kingdom and Canada, Father’s Day focuses on the importance of time spent in family gatherings. In Australia and New Zealand, celebrated on the first Sunday in September, Father’s Day is timed to coincide with the beginning of the season of Spring. German traditions highlight a festive day of hiking and feasting. And, in Thailand, Father’s Day is held on December 5th, the birthday of and memorial to a late and well-loved king.

Around the world, as it is celebrated today, Father’s Day goes beyond traditional fatherhood. It honors stepdads, grandfathers, mentors, coaches and community leaders who provide care and guidance within their respective communities. Father’s Day encourages families and communities to focus on our connection with loved ones. The day offers a special time to remember and reflect upon the good impact the men in our lives can provide.

Honoring our fathers and celebrating Father’s Day has held a special place in my life. My grandfather on my mother’s side, Robert, raised three children while serving as a hospital chaplain and pastor for over forty years. He helped countless New Yorkers who suffered from all manner of accidents and health challenges in the hospital in which he worked. He comforted with prayer, reminded with Scripture and held the hands of those passing away. His focus was always on Christ. I remember fondly our family visits to his home, and the opportunities we made to celebrate him as often as we could.

My father, Edward (senior), raised five children while serving his church congregation as an elder for nearly three decades. My father gave monthly sermons, counseled the membership, as needed, and helped to plan and organize local church activities. He led the choir, participated in speech clubs and supported his children in all of our youth group activities. His focus was always on his family. As his family, we love to gather and celebrate our father as often as we can all make it back.

The men on our team here at Plain Truth Ministries are well-versed in all things fatherhood. We are honored to teach, counsel, encourage and share our faith together in Christ Jesus with all of you, our friends and partners. Our work together in this ministry is a joy, not a job. We love being fathers to our children, although most of our children have grown up and have families of their own. We celebrate each other as fathers, close friends and members of a deeply committed team.

I have the honor of being both a father and a step-father, as I have written about previously. In both roles, the opportunities to coach, mentor, guide and befriend provide a rich mixture of ways to care and connect. Although the old joke that fathers carry photos where their money used to be, may indeed be true, those photos, those memories and shared moments, are the true gift. I am honored to father. Of all aspects of my life, this honor gives me the greatest joy.

Our heavenly Father has given us so many good and perfect gifts — gifts that encourage and touch us deeply. Our heavenly Father has given us the gift of Christ Jesus in us; the gift of his indwelling and transforming power in our lives. Our heavenly Father has given us the gift of community, communion and communication with himself, his son and the holy spirit. We honor our heavenly Father for these rich spiritual gifts, We honor our heavenly father for his magnificent grace. We celebrate as we share these gifts with each other and with the world around us.

The historical evolution and modern-day celebration of Father’s Day the world over gives us time to remember and reflect. Billy Graham’s thought that a good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society holds so much truth. Although we know that not all fathers are good fathers, we honor and celebrate those who, as Christ-followers, do their best.

Many of you, our friends and partners, are fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers and mentors to the people in your lives. We honor you for the loving roles you play. As the men of Plain Truth Ministries, we play those same roles. We know the time, energy, care and resources being a father, or father-figure, can require. We celebrate you. From all of us here to all of you, Happy Father’s Day!

We hope that our articles and resources bring comfort, hope, encouragement, and healing to our readers. If you’re experiencing that, please subscribe freely, share freely, and, if you’re able, please consider donating freely toward paying it forward by clicking the blue giving at the top of your screen.