The Sunday Mail
Life Issues with FGK
Last week, we asked if all fathers deserve to be celebrated.
Well, interesting answers have been coming through. However, most people are of the view that fathers that abrogate their responsibilities should reform. And there could be no better time for them to do so than this month as we celebrate the men in our lives. This is a sensitive topic that, however, needs to be addressed.
Absentee fathers have no idea of the pain they cause in peoples’ lives, not least on children and women. But it is never too late to start doing the right thing. There is nothing humiliating or wrong in doing so. In fact, it is a sign of boldness and wisdom. As I was walking in town the other day, I came across a young woman who was carrying a box with day-old chicks on her head and a 10kg chick (starter) mash in her hand.
She appeared to be having challenges with the load and I decided to assist her.
In our conversation, on our way to her bus stop, I learnt that she was a single mother who had a girl-child at home.
All her projects were meant to put food on the table and raise school fees for her child. She was abandoned by the man who impregnated her. As she toils for a decent life, what will God be saying about the runaway dad? Will the man have peace of mind and will his future family be blessed?
It is most likely his children will suffer similar challenges. Fathers are regarded as inexorably linked to their children due to blood ties. But, should this be the case?
A responsible father, together with his wife, will most likely benefit more from the kids because of the sacrifices he made compared to the one who was absent.
It would not be fair for a single mother who worked tirelessly to all of a sudden start sharing the success of the child with a father that abrogated his responsibilities.
It will certainly open wounds for the mother and child.
Ephesians 6:2 reads: “Honour your father and mother”.
This is the first commandment with a promise. But, does this apply to absent fathers? The girl-child is often abused once she wants to get married.
The father who abandoned the child may cause conflict on lobola day by claiming large sums of money, which is bad.
If a father looks after his children well, then he will surely enjoy every benefit that comes after, be it lobola, holidays, clothes, money and cars.
Would it be fair for a man to abandon his child and still expect his position to remain the same in the child’s life?
Quote of the week: A responsible father, together with his wife, will most likely benefit more from the kids because of the sacrifices he made compared to the one who was absent.
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