Are You Really a Dad?

     Have you heard about Orlando Shaw, the Tennessee man who is being sued by 14 women for back child-support of his 22 children? He says that he loves all of his kids but just can’t afford to support them, largely because he says that his criminal record prevents him from finding a decent job.
     There is something to be said about the foolishness on the part of the women who bore his children, but let’s stick with Shaw. In a brief interview with WTVF News, Shaw said, “I was young and ambitious, and I love women. You can’t knock no man for loving women.”
     This guy has no clue what love is. He doesn’t love women, he uses them. Nor does he love his children. He may love the idea of having children, but love is the self-sacrificial commitment to the well-being of another. Love is responsible, selfless and supportive. This Father’s Day is no celebration for the likes of Orlando Shaw.
     This Father’s Day at The Bridge, we are celebrating real fathers, those who raise their kids, not just contributed to their DNA. And sadly, having a real man in the home with his kids is a dying breed in this country. When you look at the statistics, this is an alarming fact. In every negative category, kids without dads at home struggle. In every positive category, kids with dads involved in their lives, caring for them, supporting them, disciplining them, teaching them, and just being there for them, do far better.
     We have so many real fathers here at The Bridge to celebrate. Dads, I want to thank you for being models for the rest of the world. Thanks for showing the world the value of being the leader at home God created you to be. Thanks for taking your marriage vows seriously (that’s part of being a good dad) and being committed to your momentous responsibility of raising kids!
     Happy Fathers Day to those of you who are REALLY fathers!