Fatherless America?

 This post is from Briana Dame, Regent Law 2L & current Family Law student:

 

Throughout the country, children grow up without a father. Whether a child’s dad is physically absent or just emotionally absent, the effects on children are devastating.

The absence of a father in the home can wreak havoc. Teen pregnancy is perhaps the most alarming statistic. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, a girl’s chance of becoming pregnant as a teen increases by seven times when she grows up in a fatherless home. One study even shows girls “are less likely to engage in risky sexual behavior when they have consistent contact, and a sense of closeness with their dads.” Father absence clearly affects girls, but boys are not immune to the effects of absent fathers either. Having a present father is crucial to a healthy childhood. One study shows: “Boys have fewer behavior problems and girls have fewer psychological problems when they have involved dads.” There are many more statistics that show the negative effects absent fathers have on poverty, drugs, education, and health. How can children overcome the brokenness that comes from growing up without a strong father? The answer lies in God.

God is our heavenly Father. He will provide comfort to the fatherless in this world. The young girls (and boys) who have had to grow up without a strong father figure present can find comfort in their heavenly dad. God will be there for those adult children who grieve the lack of relationship with their biological fathers. He will be that shoulder to cry on and provide strength and encouragement always. My prayer is that each and every child who struggles with the effects of an absent father will surrender to God the Father. Even though it may be hard to believe, he loves all of his children more than any earthly parent ever could.