Staring Into the Eyes of a Fatherless Generation.

There’s nothing like a Michigan summer.

Memorial Day weekend means the beginning of summer – and, consequently, the end of the school year.

 

 

Today was my last day of mentoring for the school year.  Unless my student moves  (which is always possible) I hope to see him in the Fall.

Most of my interaction with my student is asking questions and just trying to encourage him.

 

One question I asked him today while shooting basketballs during recess:

 

 

 

Do you think you will see your dad this summer?

His answer: I don’t know.

I will state the obvious: The fact that this elementary school aged boy doesn’t know if he will see his father for months is heartbreaking.

This reality is simply not how the world should be.

And, unfortunately, this story is typical.

 

Fatherless Generation

I took these statistics from the Fatherless Generation

• 63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes (US Dept. Of Health/Census) – 5 times the average.

• 90% of all homeless and runaway children are from fatherless homes – 32 times the average.

• 85% of all children who show behavior disorders come from fatherless homes – 20 times the average.  (Center for Disease Control)

• 80% of rapists with anger problems come from fatherless homes –14 times the average.  (Justice & Behavior, Vol 14, p. 403-26)

• 71% of all high school dropouts come from fatherless homes – 9 times the average.  (National Principals Association Report)

 

I look at these statistics, and ask myself:

is it worthwhile spending one hour a week during the school year with a boy who needs a positive male role model?

The answer every time is “Yes.”

I am not writing this post to: a) pat myself on the back or b) guilt anyone who is reading this.

I am just trying to illuminate a reality.

I often hear people say they cannot believe the poverty, brokenness, homelessness, addiction, that families are experiencing right in our own City. of Grand Rapids

It is true.

It is also true, that we can’t do everything, but we can do something.

What about you?

Are you working to build a better community?

E-mail: Jeshua@dwlawpc.com

www.dwlawpc.com

Twitter: @JeshuaTLauka