As to fathers… – Sunday, June 17, 1956
Life gives us many memories—of home, of mothers, of fathers and family. And as to fathers, we should like to turn today to some passing pictures and impressions: First of all, fathers commit themselves to rearing and providing for a family, to providing a home and taking on obligations which, however wonderful, require an immeasurable amount of faith and an immeasurable amount of work.
They commit themselves also to passing on a good name, a clean and honorable heritage. Such are but a few of the commitments of faithful and honorable fathers. And now as to some memorable and hallowed moments: the circling of a baby’s hand around a father’s finger; a child’s hand tightly held while walking with father; the adoring, trusting love of a young daughter for a fond and worthy father; the confidence and companionship of a growing lad talking and working with father.
It is wonderful when fathers and sons talk and work together and share close confidences—and when fathers nurture sons until their shoulders are broad and strong, until their minds are clear and capable, and then, when sons begin to take a little of the load from fathers.
It is a mellowing and unforgettable moment when a father sees his son as tall as he is, and taller, and sees in his son himself, his mannerisms, his ways, his words—in truth, to see himself, but with a wondrous intermixture of a wonderful mother. (And it is a blessed and hallowed moment when the mothers-to-be of men accept in honorable marriage clean and honored companions as fathers for their sons to follow.
And for both, there must be but a single standard of honor, of faithfulness, and of personal purity—for the commandments of God apply to mothers and fathers equally and always.) Another hallowed impression and picture: The gray and hallowed head of a father who has weathered life in faith and faithfulness—and who has held his children’s children in his encircling arms.
Yes, father is a wonderful word, made so by the love of father for his family, by fathers who work and provide and pray and persist in understanding patience; made so by the Father of us all in His relationship to each of us; by the prayer that lingers on the lips of children—”Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name”1; made so by the Father’s love of His Beloved Son, and the Son’s for the Father who sent Him.2
It is a sobering thought for fathers to hear sons say, as He did: All I do, I have seen my father do—for the influence and imprint of the fathers is upon the children—always and forever.
1Matthew 6:9
2See John 5:19
June 17, 1956
Broadcast Number 1,400