Re: Verse reading–Ephesians 5:21-33, 6:1-9 (day one)
Statistics say that 1/3 of American children grow up in biological father-absent homes. Similar studies connect this reality to teen suicide, homelessness, and school drop outs. Children with involved, loving fathers are significantly more likely to do well in school, exhibit empathy to others, and avoid high-risk behavior. Science! Scripture! “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger; but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord”–Ephesians 6:4. Children need fathers, depend on them for an upbringing, literally, “to nourish them up and out, from one level of maturity to the next.” No disrespect meant to single moms. But, when a society ignores God’s laws regarding sex and marriage, our children pay the penalty. “Paternity is a career that comes to you one fine morning without any inquiry as to your fitness for it. That is why there are so many fathers who have children, but so few children who have fathers.”–Adlai Stevenson.
