“The Real Elephant in The Room!”
GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …
“The Real Elephant in The Room!”
Pastor Brice gave us a resounding sermon on Father’s Day, “Who Is the Real Elephant in The Room?”. Yes, thought provoking! However, let me clarify the meaning of “elephant in the room” prior to answering.
Elephant in the room: a major problem or controversial issue that is obviously present but avoided as a subject for discussion because it is more comfortable to do so.
“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” – Ephesians 6:4 (NIV).
“Who is the real elephant in the room?” The answer is two-fold: the absentee father and the mistake of neglecting God.
It is imperative that we not neglect training our children in the ways of the Lord. Your child’s first prayer; “Now I lay me down to sleep….” can be the start of their relationship with God. Yes, your child’s relationship with God can start before they can read (I speak from experience.) and it is up to you to make sure their relationship with God is nurtured and grows. Train and instruct your child in the ways of the Lord. While you are at it, do not forget to nurture your own relationship with God. Parents, we are the example! Stop neglecting – start showing and growing!
“A child’s inappropriate behavior correlates to the absence of the father from the home.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice
A father’s absence from the home may have a devastating affect on a child’s life. You may see bad grades – acting out in school – arguments – fights – poor eating habits – poor sleeping habits, or, depending on the child’s age – he or she may even join a gang. A cry for help! Your child is experiencing a loss – an absentee father is a loss they cannot fix. They will start seeking anything that will give them a sense of belonging or get your attention.
Yes, a mother is needed in a child’s life, but a mother can only drive so far. At some point in a child’s life, he or she will need their father to take the wheel. The word “no” coming from your mother is totally different from “no” coming from your father. Again, speaking from experience (with no disrespect intended) it just is!
Pastor Brice and the brothers of STMI will be reaching out to our children of absentee fathers to provide them with mentorship.
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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan