AKTIV8 magazine AKTIV8 companion guide 2017 | Page 9

My idea of “Our Father” was a far off, distant
relationship as I did not understand the trusting
closeness in a relationship with a father-figure.
Sounds familiar?
The unstable family structure common in our society is
one reason that we lack the understanding of the
Fatherhood relationship with God. The result of which
contributes to the lack of attendance of men in the
church. Even though we may know this prayer, it is not
seen as a realistic part of our lives. There are great
fathers who continue to hold up a model of what a great
man should be. There is a large percentage of absent
fathers and present fathers who are irresponsible or
abusive who have also had a significant impact on our
family structure. Sometimes, the result is that
relationships with your father, other male relatives
such as uncles or cousins and other relationships with
men can be marred by abandonment, rejection and
irresponsible behaviour.
Examples:
• Your father, or other male family members who
may have been your role models leave without
keeping in touch with you and your family
[abandonment].
• You may not even know your father because he
rejected you before birth.
• You may be a new mother and the father of your
child has rejected you after you have
the baby.
• You may seek a relationship with a male[s] to
replace that empty space left by the person who
abandoned or rejected you.
PETA-GAY KIRBY © 2017
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