From this day forward I want you to know...

First and foremost, that I will BE THERE for you.

That I will not allow job or circumstance to keep me from being emotionally available.

That I will not allow addictive habits or activities to dull my senses so that I CAN be available.

That you can call on me around the clock, no matter what, no matter where.

That I will never be in a situation that is more important than your welfare.

That I will help you to grow and expand your knowledge.

That I will encourage you, engage you and challenge you.

That I will stand by you, no matter what, no matter where,  even when you are wrong.

That if you are wrong, I will help you find ways to make things right again.

That if I should become ill, I will battle as God will allow to get well.

That if I ever lose your respect, I will seek through my actions to earn back that respect.

That I will teach you to be significant by giving something of value to the lives of others.

That I will believe in your worth and that God has a plan for your life.

That I will pray.

That I will listen when you need to talk.

That I will seek wisdom beyond my own to help you find answers.

That I will openly acknowledge these truths:

That our existence is by God, for God and as a part of God.

That God works miracles every day.

That being a father is one of those miracles and it deserves my attention.

That life's adversity and hardship are blessings that strengthen us for God's greater work.

That while these hardships can hurt, the strength they yield can heal.

That only Christ can give you life and only faith can give you peace.

That I am alive and I am at peace.

That "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)

That I do and will love you to the depths of my soul.

All of these things, I pledge to you from this day forward.

( The first version of "A Father's Pledge" was written by the author  on a scrap of paper in 2007, the day that God worked a miracle in his life. Today, almost five years later, the pledge and the miracle are still in effect. No matter what forces or challenges you face, God is bigger than those forces. If you seek Him, He can and will work a miracle in your life. It all starts with a decision to put God first, the will to make a change, and a pledge to the people that you love. God will take it from there.)

Copyright 2007  afatherspledge.com