June 13, 2012

"The fathers have eaten a sour grape and the children's teeth are set on edge". (Jeremiah, Book 31, Verse 29) This quote from the Bible represented the power of the father as the primary authority of the family for many centuries. His word was unquestioned, his decision final, his influence dominant in all matters relating to family.

The third Sunday in June is set aside every year to celebrate the importance of Fathers. Fathers are more than just breadwinners for their families. They're especially significant in the lives of their children.

Mrs. Sonora Smart Dodd had the right idea, when she arranged a tribute for her father in 1910, after listening to a Mother's Day sermon in Spokane Washington. While she listened to a Mother's Day sermon in 1909, Dodd wanted a special day to honor her father, William Smart, a widowed Civil War veteran who was left to raise his six children on a farm. A day in June was chosen for the first Father's Day celebration June 17, 1910, proclaimed by Spokane's mayor because it was the month of Smart's birth. The first presidential proclamation honoring fathers was issued in 1966 when President Lyndon Johnson designated the third Sunday in June as Father's Day. Father's Day has been celebrated annually since 1972 when President Richard Nixon signed the public law that made it permanent.

God took the strength of a mountain,

The majesty of a tree,

The warmth of a summer sun,

The calm of a quiet sea,

The generous soul of nature,

The comforting arm of night,

The wisdom of the ages,

The power of the eagle's flight,

The joy of a morning in spring,

The faith of a mustard seed,

The patience of eternity,

The depth of a family need,

Then God combined these qualities,

When there was nothing more to add,

He knew His masterpiece was complete,

And so,

He called it ... Dad

This Father's Day, I challenge you, if able and father's still living, to start the day by attending church together to reinforce the Father of all "fathers", God.

What an honor to be called any names that reflect the title of father, reaffirming that fortune is attained by what fills your heart and not your hip.

My Legislative Assistant, Shana Alexander (now Beasley), and her husband Clay were announced husband and wife on May 25th. She is back from her honeymoon and ready to assist all in whatever assistance they need. Feel free to call our office at any time!

As always, it is an honor to serve you in the Missouri House. If you would like to discuss any issue, please call 573-751-3629. You can also email me at Kent.Hampton@house.mo.gov. I look forward to hearing from you.