The following excerpt is from an article that I previously wrote that was published in The Old Schoolhouse magazine Fall 2011.  I am re-publishing in this newsletter in recognition of Father's Day 2012. 

As I write this note, the paraphrased words of Mordecai in the fourth chapter of Esther ring clearly in my mind: "Who knows but that you have come to this royal position for such a time as this."Seems initially like pretty lofty stuff. But as dads, are we not sitting in the same position, overseeing the family's royal crest? Aren't we called to lead our families to the knowledge of Christ? Do we not have the purpose of reflecting to our family and neighbors faith, hope, and most importantly the love of Christ? These are certainly royal objectives, because they are ordained by the King of kings, our Lord Jesus Christ. But do we treat them as royal objectives? Do we as fathers stand steadfast between our children and a broken world that is aggressively making overtures for their hearts and minds? Do we as fathers promote the love of Christ to our children in our daily expression? A daily expression, which is akin to Jesus' words to take up your cross daily,should begin in the home and radiate out from there.

As a dad you should actively show your daughter that she is worth fighting for says Meg Meeker in her book, Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters. Your son needs to know from you that he measures up. The relationship between the daughter/son and the father is critical to show them how to focus on the Lord as their only source of hope. This is not done solely from the Paternal Pulpit. We as dads must mix in a healthy dose of humility and love. They need your help to understand trials and the consequences of their choices, because it is in these challenges they will discover the true nature of God. They should never doubt that you love them and will fight for them without hesitation and without end.

Who knows but that we as dads have come to this royal position for such a time as this-to turn off the TV, computer, and phone and to patiently talk with our children as we sit at home, walk along the road, lie down and get up. Who knows but that we have come to this royal position for such a time as this, to lead our children through individual relationships to a commitment of faith in Jesus Christ. This commitment to Christ will equip our children to stand firm to the end and be saved as the world grows increasingly dark and the love of most grows cold.Who knows but that we have come to this royal position for such a time as this to provide a refuge that will keep our children strong, so they can learn to love their friends and enemies as they love themselves,because love covers a multitude of sins. Let us heed the call to refocus on the family as the core of society and to make it healthy once again by seeking the Lord earnestly through family prayer, praise, devotionals, and yes, even fasting. We are called to walk a path fraught with one battle after another as we swim against the cultural current. But if we persevere, God promises character and hope.What better objectives are there? It truly is a great time to be a dad. I thank the Lord for this royal appointment . . . at such a time as this.