14/05/2023
HAPPINESS IS HAVING A FATHER WHO CARES.
( talk on Sunday May 14,2023 by Bismark Owusu Tawiah)
I greet us all in the Holy name of our LORD Jesus Christ and Happy mothers day to all the mothers and potential mothers in this world.
Is a mothers day and I suppose it should be left for only the mothers to talk but I am privileged to be asked by our leaders to speak to you on this special occasion.
I would therefore earnestly ask for your help in spirit and in your heart to join me pray so that the Spirit of our God guides us in understanding that which I shall speak to us all on this day in Jesus Christ name . Amen
When a child is born into a family, both parents are in haste to hear the first word that the child will speak as to whether it will be [Daddy or mummy ].
Usually is the case that
the child will say one before the other and in such situations it brings joy and smile to the one who hears it whilst the other get disappointed for a moment.
But as to whether is [mummy,] or [daddy ] that is said first, it still does not take away the the responsibilities and the care of mum and dad.
Today I am asked to speak to you about this HAPPINESS IS HAVING A FATHER WHO CARES.
This does not also mean one cannot also have happiness from a caring mother.
For we all know that ;
In all the world, there is no higher or greater honor or responsibility than motherhood and because of that, that's why we celebrate you mothers on this special day.
We all have once had a mortal father or even if you don't and never met yours, I believe you take solace in our Heavenly Father.
I myself I am not a father but permit me to suggest to you the essence, ways and blessings of making fathers the head of the family.
Two ways which we can strengthen the father in his position as he also does that for us are ;
First, sustain and respect the father in his position;
Second, give him LOVE, understanding, and you know show some APPRECIATION for his efforts.
I believe the fathers are nodding their heads inside them, saying, [ oh man say that again ooo].
I would say that there are others and voices in our society now a days who thinks that
The best way to feminine cause or to say motherhood is to destroy or make less the fatherhood.
There is joy in been independent and that is what this Church of our LORD Jesus Christ seek and teaches us to be but I must say that ;
The true beauty of independence lys in the fact of knowing your independence causes no slavery or chains on the other.
Let every mother understand that
if she does anything to diminish her children’s father or the father’s image in the eyes of the children, it may injure and do irreparable damage to the self-esteem and personal security of the children themselves.
How infinitely more productive and satisfying it is for a woman to build up her husband rather than tear him down.
You women are so superior to us men in so many ways that you lower yourselves by posturing or belittling masculinity and manhood.
In terms of showing to fathers love and understanding,
it should be remembered that fathers also have times of insecurity and doubt. Everyone knows fathers make mistakes—especially they themselves and they ain't proud of it.
Though some may not show it or admit it outwardly which is bad,
but in them they never wish their children repeat that mistake and they show this by caring that much to see their children been happy by protecting them from it.
Fathers are in need of all the help they can get; mostly they need love, support, and understanding from their own.
President Harold B. Lee has said,
“Most men do not set priorities to guide them in allocating their time and most men forget that the first priority should be to maintain their own spiritual and physical strength; then comes their family; then the Church and then their professions, and all need time.”
In giving time to children, we do know that in our settings here in Africa, mothers will sometimes say;
You wait ,when your father comes i will let him discipline you, which usually send shivers down our spines.
It is the duty of both mothers and fathers to show care and love for our children by disciplining them.
Wise discipline reinforces the dimensions of eternal love. This reinforcement will bring great security and stability into their lives as children in knowing what is right and wrong in the future when you are not even there to guide them.
As I speak some of us are young single adults or single mothers who wish their family is complete.
I came to tell you that it shall surely be complete and if you do not have your partner now, that does not mean it shall stay like that forever, for the one who made you even your Heavenly father is more concerned about you having a perfect family than you yourself and remember whatever he so wish and will for his children it comes to pass.
This Church we have another fatherlike relationship with our bishops who are the spiritual fathers of the wards.
Sometimes I wonder whether our bishop, Bishop Qudjoe he get enough rest on weekends.
He tends to deal with all issues and need to have time for everyone.
Beloved mothers, father, brothers and sisters I would end by saying that
Happiness and caring for children and mothers can be achieved by fathers when fathers do not just give their names to their children but go beyond that by
Working hard to provide for them, by educating them both physically and spiritually, by understanding their children's mistake but not condoning them, by trying to give their children the things their fathers never had, by showing them how to be tender and merciful and above all letting them know the need and beauty of staying and keeping their covenants.
God bless you fathers to be equal to your overwhelming responsibilities and to have a father’s special caring for each one under your protective arms. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
I love you all and care for you all and testify to you all as a witness of our LORD and our Father in Heaven that He loves you all, cares for you all and want to see you happy in Jesus Christ name. Amen