They need a Dad

Proverbs 4:1-13

“Hear, O sons, a father's instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight,
 for I give you good precepts; do not forsake my teaching.  When I was a son with my father, tender, the only one in the sight of my mother, he taught me and said to me, “Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments and live. Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth.  Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, insight.  Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her.
She will place on your head a graceful garland; she will bestow on you a beautiful crown.”  Hear, my son, and accept my words, that the years of your life may be many. I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness.  When you walk, your step will not be hampered, and if you run, you will not stumble. Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your life.”

The fourth chapter of Proverbs is about a Father’s wise instruction, our Father in heaven always gives wise guidance and a dad who studies God’s written word will provide wise counsel.  But do you understand the magnitude of single moms in the USA, let me share some facts given by the Institute for Women's Policy Research.   “The number of single mothers in college more than doubled between the 1999-00 and 2011-12 school years, to reach nearly 2.1 million students—or 11 percent of all undergraduates—as of 2012 (Figure 1; IWPR 2017a). The growth in single mothers in college was more than twice the rate of growth seen among the overall undergraduate student population (42 percent) over the same time period (IWPR 2017a). Among female undergraduates, 19 percent were single mothers as of 2011-12 (IWPR 2017b).”

The following is from the United States Census Bureau: “The gap between married and unmarried Americans age 15 and older has narrowed since 1950.  In 1950 74.4 million were married and 37.3 million were unmarried.  In 1950 the number of unmarried and never married were 69%, divorced 7% and widowed 24%.  The percent’s that were unmarried in 2015 and never married 67% divorced 21% and widowed 12%.” 

Why is this so alarming, a lady holding down a fulltime job, going to school and keeping a house and feeding her child or children has an impossible task.  It was never God’s plan, and it is rare, and I would say almost impossible for her to fulfill the role of the father.

What are we the Church doing to help these ladies and their children, often we help with the bills and food, but what about men who are older and will make time to invest in a young boy?  I’m guilty of looking the other way, but its time for action, its time to be part of their lives in training for all areas of life.

Tomorrow we will address how the above verses can change the hearts of young men; I cannot think of a wiser investment or a better return on one's investment.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice