Real Strength in Fathering – June 20, 2004
Today, as in times past, the world needs good fathers. We need fathers who are examples of integrity and morality, of strength and resilience. And we need fathers who are models of humility, tenderness, and love.
A story from the son of well-known religious leader Dwight Moody illustrates the positive influence of a father’s life. Ten-year-old Paul Moody had disregarded his father’s urging to go to bed one evening. Impatient and in an uncharacteristically gruff tone of voice, Dwight told his son to get to bed “at once.” Startled and hurt, the boy hurried to his room, frightened and in tears. But before he fell asleep, “his devoted father was at his bedside, kneeling, with tear-filled eyes and asking forgiveness for the harsh way in which he had spoken.” His son later said of the greatness of his father: “No words on the love of God have cast quite such a light on this huge figure kneeling in the twilight by my bed, asking the forgiveness of a child. The life he lived was greater than any sermon he ever preached, for he was the gentlest and most humble and consistent of men.”[1]
Real strength is manifest in a father who is not afraid to apologize, who admits his mistakes and tries with all his heart to make amends. There is no manliness in covering up our faults, refusing to acknowledge a failing, or being too stubborn or proud to say “I’m sorry.” Humility is a sign of strength; being teachable and meek is a mark of excellence in fathering.
In our day, and for many people, the qualities of gentleness are not prized. It’s almost as if many fathers feel pressured to be “tough” when, at times, it goes against every better instinct. But the best fathers are those who are strong and humble, courageous and meek, dedicated and gentle—combinations that will bless generations to come. Our children need fathers who are secure enough to be humble, and strong enough to be gentle.
Most fathers are sincerely trying to do their best. If their hearts are filled with love and their intentions are pure, with Heavenly Father’s help they’ll do right by their children, and those children will be blessed by the real strength of a father.
Program #3905
[1] Arthur S. Anderson, By Example: Motivating Stories from Great Lives (1960), 72–73.