Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there. 

For those of you who get to spend the day with your dad, give him an extra hug on behalf of us who don’t have our father with us anymore.  Enjoy every moment and spend a few extra with him if you can. 

My dad passed away in 2004 and he’s spent the last 7 years in heaven with our heavenly Father.  I know he doesn’t miss me because he got the better end of the deal but I really miss him – especially on Father’s Day.

My dad grew up in the Depression.  Those times created tough men and he was a strong man of conviction and courage.  He didn’t play around with what was right and wrong.  We knew exactly how we should behave and we knew the consequences if we didn’t.  We didn’t waste time or energy and everything we did had meaning and purpose.  He appeared to be a tough man and he was.  He had to be to protect his children.  He was a single dad raising three children so there was no room to make mistakes or let his guard down.  He viewed fatherhood as one of his jobs, and he took it seriously.  He set the example for us to be responsible citizens and self-sufficient.  I know Dad was proud of how we turned out and we were proud of him. 

America was also blessed with strong founding fathers who set the example for future leaders of America.

They understood the importance of courage and conviction.  They had courage to stand up to a King and tell him “We declare our Independence from your tyrannical ways.” 

They were willing to give up everything they had earned for the cause of this new nation and the people within it.    

They made sure we had our individual rights and we had freedom to be all we could be – if we worked hard.

They ensured that the nation as a whole would run according to a well-thought out plan called The Constitution.  This document set the boundaries for our lives and created a fair and just society for all.  We were all entitled to the same things, “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.” 

Our founding fathers were willing to sacrifice their personal wealth and well-being on behalf of the people. 

They took their role as a founding father seriously.  They didn’t play around with political correctness or societal changes.  They had a job to do and that was to create and protect a new nation of people who longed for freedom and liberty.

Today’s leaders make fun of those men and bring up the fact that some were slave owners.  They shun our founding documents that were written after much debate and heart-felt dialogue.  They believe it’s time for a new world order where we will all live together without borders or cultural differences.   If you bring it up that you like living within the constraints of our Constitutional boundaries and Bill of Rights, they call you a racist.  These are amazing times and our founding fathers would be stunned at the changes in our society. 

A government of tyrants now lives among us instead of across the pond.  If our founding fathers were alive today, they would ask “Where are the great men of our nation who will fight for you?”  We ask the same thing.

The vanilla world of politics makes most of the men appear to be the same man.  There are a few that stand out and say exactly what needs to be said.  When they do, we sit up a little higher in our chairs and we high five with our friends. 

America is calling out for a leader of courage to show up and be the next father of our nation.  We want someone who is convicted to this role because he is called to it and not because it’s his next step on his professional ladder.  We want someone who loves our founding documents and understands the importance of individual liberty and responsibility.  We want someone who when called a racist will stand up and say strong words that will send that person fleeing.  They will say America is great and we are exceptional.  They will not want to be a part of a new world order -- because they know that a new world order means individuals will no longer be important – only groups will be.  (Pray you are in the right group!)  They will have the fortitude to press on for the good of our nation and will help heal it from within by standing strong and facing the threats head-on.  They will set an example for all of us.

When I was scared, my dad’s lap and his protective arms were all I needed.  America is scared and there are no laps or arms to protect us.  We are on our own.  Children left alone are targets for evil people.  America left alone is too. 

As you say your blessings at the table with your dad today, take a moment and pray for our nation too.  Ask our heavenly Father to wrap his protective arms around us and keep us safe.  Ask Him to send us a great man or yes, even a woman, who will lead America and protect the goodness of its heritage.    We need someone who will set a good example for generatons to come.

God bless all the fathers out there and God bless this nation founded by convicted men of faith.