I love being a father. There's no greater responsibility in a man's life than making sure his child is safe, feels love, and gives them the security of knowing he will be there for him or her no matter what! It's been 24 years since Michae' (pronounced Me-shay) came into my life and turned my world upside down. Even though our relationship has been long distance for much of her life, it's been consistent and that's what counts.
Too often the importance of fathers is discounted. Many women believe they can be both father and mother to a child, which is ridiculous since a woman can never be an example of a man. However, as a man who watched his mother struggle raising three kids alone I understand their frustration. But Father's Day isn't about the deadbeats it's about the men who have been present and engaged in their children's lives, even when the child isn't biologically his own. Isn't that worth celebrating?
To understand the impact of fatherhood all you have to do is look into the eyes of a man or woman when he or she talks about their dad, "My dad said this." and "My dad use to do that" and "My dad always taught me to always" etc. It's like having a hype man bragging about all the knowledge and love you put into your child. And that's the true reward of fatherhood, knowing that your child applied the lesson you taught them and felt your presence.
But the most important function of a father is to be an example to his sons as to how to treat a woman and set the standard for how our daughters are to be treated by another man. And most of all to make sure she has a healthy love and respect for men in general.
When women love and respect men they respond differently to men and will likely have more healthy relationships, even when the man is not her type, she will still show him kindness and respect. And because her father makes her feel safe she is free to explore the world knowing her daddy has her back, no matter if she is on the other side of the world!
No matter how independent and strong a woman is she will never posses a man's tone of voice, a man's presence, and most of all, she can never be an example of a man. ~ Michael Baisden
Inspired by the Chapter, Men Cry In The Dark, in my new book coming out this fall. I promise you're going to love it! Read my other titles available on all e-book formats. http://amzn.to/1uxlx2f
Photo credit: Instagram/hellomynameisking
