The Perception of Single Fatherhood- Part 1

The World’s Point of View

We are currently in the middle of this series in our single dad small group, so I decided to turn it into a blog as well. This will consist of four views on single fatherhood: how the world views us; how our children view us; how we view ourselves; and of course, how God views us.

“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.” –John 15:18 (NASB)

This first part was a tough discussion for some of the guys, mainly because of some of the “tags” and stereotypes that have been placed on us as a whole. Words such as “deadbeat” and “absentee” hover over men due to a culture that has abandoned its priorities and morals when it comes to leading and parenting. I have even been on the receiving end of such slander in the past. As is the case with any challenge, we must dig to the root of the issue, uncover it, and bring truth to the forefront with God’s Word.

I asked questions such as, “What are some of the causes and effects of fatherlessness?” and “How does the world view/react to single and absentee fathers?” The general consensus was fatherlessness can be generational, and we have replaced our values with sin through fleshy pleasures. All of this has drawn fathers further and further away from their kids- and at the same time the children are retracting the opposite way due to the never-ending pressures they face daily. Now, an absentee father who has completely left the picture voluntarily and not stepped up to the plate is one thing, but to place tags on good, God-loving men who either are involved, or WANT to be involved with their kids is another. I can tell you that all of the single dads in our small group are in their kid’s lives in one capacity or another, most of them even desiring to be a greater influence if given the opportunity.

The bottom line is that is hard to be a single parent no matter what. Whether you are full-custodial or partial, have freedom to see your children when you want or facing some barriers, we ALL must find our hope and comfort in Christ. I closed out our first discussion of this series with the verses and question below. Take what you can from them and apply them to your specific situation.

1Cor 2:14, 3:18-23

1John 3:13

Rev 12:11

Based on tonight’s discussion, how will you bring change to the world’s perception of single fathers?

Tony Evans once said (I’m paraphrasing here), “A messed up man is part of a messed up house…neighborhood…city…state…nation…world. So, if we want a better world, then we need a better nation…state…city…neighborhood…house…which begins with a better man."