In this episode, I talk with Clifford Hare, my dad and President of Faithful Men Ministries; and David Hare, my brother.
We talk about the importance of a father's blessing of affirmation in a child's life. The meaning of affirmation and where we first hear of the father's affirmation, or blessing, in the Bible.
Cliff shares about how he grew up in a non-christian home and had caring parents, but never had that affirmation of you are a good son.
Many people grow up with an image of the only way we get affirmation, or love, is out of fear unless we accomplish goals in life. Other times we may have a fear that we never measure up to receive that love and affection.
As men, we must allow ourselves to be vulnerable in front of our children and those we mentor. This isn't to show weakness, but that we have difficult time and how we work through them.
The origin of the father's blessing goes back to the book of Numbers 6:23-27 when God speaks to Moses and shares with him the Aaronic Blessing. Later we see when Jesus is being baptized by John that as He comes up from the water that God speaks and tells Him, "This is My Beloved Son, in whom I AM well pleased." This comes before Jesus has done the first miracle, sermon or teaching; yet God was affirming him as his son.
Our identity in society come from the father. This comes with us going back to learn to hear the voice of the Lord.
The way to truly know of that love is not just by having a conversation with God, but having those intimate times with Him; whether in prayer, praise, both or simply just resting in His presence.
Even for Jesus after was affirmed by God, he went into the wilderness that brought a time of testing a walking by faith that we see that Jesus had confidence in His heavenly Father.
Clifford Hare has been married to Patricia Hare for 48 years. They have 2 sons, 1 daughter-in-law, 3 grandsons and 1 granddaughter. Cliff took over Faithful Men Ministries for Jack King in 2016. He serves as an elder and pastor at the Springs Church in Jacksonville, Florida.
David has works for the Florida State Corrections 6 years and has also is an ordained minister for almost 10 years.
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