Casandra Martin

Dear Son,

I know that it seems odd to write you a Father’s Day letter. You are still in your teens and a long way from taking on the responsibilities of a family. But the more I thought about it, the wiser it seemed to speak these words into your heart now. We are, after all, doing more than raising a man. We are raising a future husband and father, and we want you to be a great one.

What you do today will have an impact on the father that you will be some day. Today’s choices will be the stories that you tell your children in the future. We want them to be stories of courage, standing up for what’s right, helping someone in need, and being willing to say ‘no’ when necessary. We long for you to be so immersed in service, study, prayer, and surrender that these things will be a part of the regular rhythm of your life for decades to come. These daily habits will be a gift to the family that will take shape as the years pass by. Holding on to your purity and integrity today refines the strength of character that you will need to be an honorable husband and a faithful father. Committing yourself today to living in His purpose, exercising His gifts, and soaking in His grace will shape your soul to reflect Jesus in those precious future moments with your children.

Some dads focus on money, power, possessions, or leaving their stamp on the world. Son, the best mark that you can make in this life is the one you leave on the hearts of your children. In the end, there is only one question that matters – did your children see Jesus in you? What you choose today will help you answer that question tomorrow.

My Jesus Resolution today is to help you become a great dad. I am not going to underestimate the importance that my time with you today will have on the parent you will be some day. Today I get to point you to Jesus. Today I get to help you sing, count blessings, worship, learn, forgive, and pray. I want your stories to be filled with grace. I want your memories to be a road map into joy. I want to teach you that humility, surrender, and dependence are the signs of a true man. I want your childhood to be so filled with the cross that when you are a dad, you will lift it up boldly before your children.