Presented @ The Twelfth Baptist Church – Roxbury, Massachusetts – Father’s Day Service – 6.18.2017
A FATHER’S DAY COMMENTARY, by Sidney H. Burton Jr. 6.18.2017
The Dictionary provides a number of ways to define a father.
One is, as a man who has begotten a child, Another is, a man as he is related to his child or children, like a stepfather, an adoptive father or a father-in-law.
Another is, The male parent of a plant or animal; a person regarded as a male parent, a protector.
The dictionary also defines father, as ‘God’, the first person in the Trinity. as well as, a forefather, an ancestor, an originator, a founder, or inventor.
Father can mean, Any Man, deserving of respect, or reverence, because of, age, or position.. As well as, a senator of ancient Rome, or any of the leaders of a city assembly, etc.,
usually used in plural.
Father can mean, any of the early Christian religious writers, considered reliable authorities on the doctrines, and teachings of the Church, Like a Christian priest: used as a title.
Some people say!
Their father has never been around, Some say that he has always there for them.
Some say they don’t have a father, While some say they would be lost without one.
Some fathers, don’t know how many children they have, and some fathers were there when each child was born.
Some fathers invest in their children, and Some never pay their child support or visit.
Some fathers lost their children and even their own lives, when they were killed or consumed by the streets.
Some fathers are serving time in prison, whether they are guilty or innocent.
Some fathers are serving this country in the military or in the community as police. ministers, politicians or in other roles.
Some fathers are adopted as Dads, Uncles, Granddads and more.
Call then way you may, but they stepped up to the plate and I think we agree, that they play a major role in shaping a child’s life.
Some fathers, who are affected by health or injuries, are hurting, because they can not do, the physical things most fathers, can do.
Some Fathers don’t know how much they affect the lives of a child, for better or worse.
While Some say, their fathers are men who planted, and modeled, rich discipline, character, stability, and love in their lives.
Some people, when greeted, “happy fathers day”, say “I’m not a father”, and I reply “but you have a father”.
And yet, their was My father,
Who exposed his children, to all types of natural and historic sites, on trips to see his father, and mother down south.
I remember him taking us trough the mountains in Tennessee, deep sea fishing on boats, small and large, to beaches from Boston to Cape Cod, to Niagara falls, To World Fairs, making quality time that created memories still vivid this very day.
My father was strict, but his commitment and love, built a strong home, and castle for his children, and he stayed with his wife, till death did them part..
My father mentored many youth, when he led one of the major Boy Scout Troops in Roxbury after he served his time in the military.
I will always remember him coming home from his regular job and working on the side, fixing TV’s or doing work in the backyard, for a neighbor, or at the church.
He demanded respect and gave it, and left me skills I use today that I learned while working beside him, doing carpentry, plumbing and electricity on our house, and others places.
I did not know, when I was young, but I learned that God had a plan, and a purpose for my life.
A plan for me to be a father, to get married and be the proud parent of three lovely daughters, and the grandfather of three unique Grandchildren.
LISTEN – Men – Fathers – we are responsible!
and have a duty to witness, not just to our children, but to all that need to see God’s love in action.
We are not perfect, but, It is God’s plan that we be salt, and light to father’s and others that might not know him.
We could start, by Introducing them to, our Father who is in heaven.
We could tell them how Great his name is.
We could tell them, about his eternal Kingdom, and how it is to come.
We could tell them about His will, and how it is done, in Heaven and Earth.
We could talk about how He provides our daily needs.
We could let them know about how, he is forgiving us of our sins, like we are forgiving others who sinned against us.
We could let them know how He never leads us into temptation, and is always ready, to deliver us from evil.
We would share the power that is His, and what it did, and is doing in our lives.
And finally,
We would talk about the Glory that is His through The beginning and through the end, Forever and Ever.
I say to You all, HAPPY FATHER’S DAY
written by Sidney H. Burton Jr. for a father’s day commentary June 18, 2017 @
Twelfth Baptist Church
One Sixty Warren Street Roxbury, MA 02119
Rev. Arthur T. Gerald, Jr. Senior Pastor
Dr. Michael E. Haynes, Pastor Emeritus
comments to [email protected]
Living His Good News,