Over the years, recognition to fathers on their special day has declined. Unlike Mother’s Day, Father’s Day gifts are usually last minute, not a great card selection in stores and not enough events honoring fathers. We often say how important fathers are to the family but at times we don’t treat them as special or important.  On this Father’s Day weekend, I want to honor all fathers and father figures.

When I was a kid, my father was not around. Honestly, sometimes I missed him and sometimes I did not. However, one day I realized I wanted and needed to know my father and develop a relationship. To this day, I believe that was one of my best decisions I ever made. I was not mad at him or looked for a ton of reasons why he was not around. All I knew was that I wanted to have a relationship with my father. We developed a great relationship until his death in 2009. I miss him greatly and I am very blessed to know that I am a product of both my parents.

What I have come to understand is that some men cannot be good fathers because they did not have good role models and it is very hard to break that cycle. Today, I wanted to share with you a few young men who are doing their best to be great fathers. These men have some of the same worries and concerns that I am sure my father had when he was young. They are doing their best to be the best fathers and role models for their kids.

Juan Stennett

What do you enjoy most about being a father? “What I like best about being a father is being able to provide for my kids and see them learn from their mistakes.”

What is the best lesson your father taught you? “The best lesson my father taught me was to never give up even when it seems as though all the cards are stacked against me.

Aaron Smith III 

What do you enjoy most about being a father?“ I love when my kids make me happy and make me smile. When I’m feeling down or having a long day, and my kids say something to show they appreciate me… it makes it all worth it! Daddy Moments.’”

What is the best lesson your father taught you? “No lessons.  But I am a hard worker and I have a strong work ethic.  I work until the job gets done.”

What are you most afraid of as a father? “I don’t want my kids thinking that what I do is easy.  I spoil my kids and I do not want them to feel like things should be given to them without any hard work.”

How do you keep it together as a father/head of the household/husband? “I laugh and try to have fun, I have developed patience, I am a deep thinker, I spend time talking to the Lord and then waiting for my answer. I love attending church and I listening to TD Jakes sermons throughout the week. I have the VISION for my family and therefore it all starts and ends with me!”

Myron Feaster Jr.

What do you enjoy most about being a father? “I enjoy every moment that I spend with my kids. That includes playtime, homework and even time spent disciplining them.”

What do you hope/pray that your children will learn from you? “I hope my kids learn manners, respect for themselves and others, working hard and always finishing something they start.”

What are you most afraid of as a father? “I am most afraid of peer pressure that my kids may encounter at school and when I am not around.”

How do you keep it together as a father/head of the household? “I pray and go to church on a regular basis.”

Darius Smith

What do you hope/pray that your children will learn from you? “To be a standup person and take responsibility for whatever they do or are trying to do… Always be honest with people.”

What are you most afraid of as a father? “I am most afraid that I will fail at something.  Being the man of the household is a lot of responsibility and pressure and I want to make sure I do my very best at all times.”

Dion Stennett

What do you enjoy most about being a father? “Being a hero.”

What is the best lesson your father taught you? The best lesson my father taught me was to be a man of my word.”

What do you hope/pray that your children will learn from you? I pray that my children will always use their brains to make the right decisions and know their self worth.”

What are you most afraid of as a father? “I am most afraid of not being there for my kids.”

How do you keep it together as a father/head of the household? “I keep it together by taking it one day at a time, having the heart to forgive,  and the knowledge and ability to overcome all obstacles.”

Happy Father’s Day to all the great fathers!!!

Please feel free to share your thoughts or send your father or father figure a nice message below!!