"My father didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it."

—Clarence Budington Kelland

His name was Faye Robinson French. If he were still alive I would never tell anyone that. His friends called him Bob.

He was a man's man who had many titles: Navy chaplain, pastor, preacher, husband, boss, church planter, construction supervisor, millwright and carpenter's business agent. At home, though, he was just dad.

The greatest gift I had in my life growing up was the gift of watching and learning from my father. He came from a generation that had a difficult time expressing words of love, but every day he showed his love in everything he touched.

I thank God every day for my father. He helped make me who I am today. He inspired me to live a life dedicated to God. He inspired me to live a life dedicated to my family. And I miss him every day since he has been gone. His memory is all the more poignant now that I'm a father and a grandfather. It is a privilege to be called Dad, Papa and even Pops and to know that the relationship I have with my children and grandchildren is a reflection of my father's legacy.

The example of a father in a child's life is one of the greatest influences on the outcome of his or her emotional, cognitive, behavioral and social life. Fathers shape their children's character and destiny directly but also indirectly, making it easier for them to understand and accept the fatherly love God is offering to us as children who have been adopted into His family by the sacrifice of Christ. After all, our Father, our God, is the greatest example of a Father that the world has.

He helps us through His Holy Spirit.

He gives us what we need when we're in lack.

He gives us wisdom in all things.

He gives us parents here on earth to help guide us.

Godly, intentional fathers make a difference that will echo through generations of their posterity, and I thank every father who has raised his children to the best of his ability.

Thank you, fathers, for living a life as an example to your children.

Thank you, fathers, for putting your family's needs above your own.

Thank you, fathers, for training the next generation to carry on.

Thank you, fathers, for being strong in times of trouble.

Thank you, fathers.

Take time this week to celebrate with the father in your life! Happy Father's Day!

Fathers, you are beautiful. I see Jesus in you. Have an awesome week!

Mikel French has challenged spiritual awakening all across America, where many celebrations extended into multiple weeks, and has conducted celebrations in France, Sweden, Russia, Romania, Poland, Ukraine, Moldova, Serbia, Germany, South Africa, Malawi, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Haiti, Japan, Singapore, India and Thailand. He conducted an outreach celebration in Manila, Philippines, reaching 200,000 teenagers with the book of hope. Through the generous support of partners, he has presented the message of Jesus Christ to millions of people in the nation of Russia through televised citywide soul-winning celebrations. Mikel considers it an honor to assist in conducting the annual pastor's conference, where thousands of pastors from Russia's 11 time zones come for training, teaching and equipping. Mikel and his wife, Marsha, reside in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

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