In high school, I always looked forward to study hall because that meant time away from instructional learning to spend with friends. No, not much studying happened during study hall because most times we played cards, engaged in conversations with schoolmates or got a pass to go to the library.
A group of us opted for the latter one day and we sat around a table as far from the librarian’s desk as we could get, that way we could giggle without, we hoped, being heard. We laughed about the silliest things and didn’t accomplish much within the 45 minutes to an hour we were allotted.
The Lie
Now that more than 25 years have passed, I have a vague memory of our conversations, but I do remember a particular moment when out of the blue, a friend said, “I know what’s wrong with Chaunté, she needs a daddy.” Big gulp! My face got warm, my nostrils spread and I looked at her and said, “No, I don’t.”
I was thinking, where did this come from? We were not talking about me or my family, but she all of sudden had the nerve to make such a stark statement.
The Embarrassment
Of course, I was embarrassed and I couldn’t understand why she would make such a remark. I was a good kid. I was a good student. Why did she say that?
The Truth
It’s 2018 and I still don’t know, but I’ve suspected she overheard an adult conversation. What’s important here is that she was right. I needed a daddy.
The Word
When God created the family, he gave each member roles and each has specific commandments. He wants fathers to be husbands and spiritual leaders who are responsible and accountable. Ephesians 6:4 says “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training of the Lord.”
When our fathers are absent, unavailable or unattached, that can make children scornful and resentful. That is why this scripture instructs fathers not to do things that cause these reactions from their children.
The Father’s Responsibility
A father is to lead by teaching his children about God; nurturing them spiritually, and even disciplining them.
So yes, young lady, you were right, I needed a daddy.
Thankfully, when daddy fails us spiritually, others step in to make a spiritual difference.
I haven’t even scratched the surface here, but stay tuned, because I will follow up with more.
Say That, Girl! 