In my last few notes I’ve shared with you the crucial role that healthy dads play in their kids’ lives. Let me share just a few stats to prove this point.
U.S. youth from fatherless homes more often:
*Drop out of high school.
*Become sexually active and face unplanned pregnancies.
*Experience higher rates of abuse and neglect.
*Exhibit behavioral disorders, addictions, and contemplate or attempt suicide.
*Choose to run away, with many living homeless.
*Serve time in juvenile centers, if not also adult prisons.
But just having dads at home won’t fully solve these issues. Our youth need dads who are engaged, loving, and supportive. The bottom line: Kids need healthy dads who aren’t still reacting to life from their own prison of unhealed emotional wounds.
I know this from personal experience, as my dad was the town drunk. I despised him, especially because he physically abused my mom after he drank. I walked into adulthood with plenty of pent up rage.
➤Will you do me a favor?
Josh D. McDowell
P.S. Watch Undaunted, the movie about my childhood. It starts out sad, but the outcome is awesome!
EN