To commemorate Father’s Day and Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, each Morning Devotional for the month of June will highlight an important lesson of faith learned from a father or a father-like figure. We continue today with Kojo and his father.
“If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” — Matthew 7:11 (NIV)
If I were ever asked to define who a father is, I would say he is a man who, whether through birth or adoption, takes on the responsibility of caring for, supporting, and loving his children. The role of a father carries immense weight, and it is worth celebrating every man who steps into it.
One of my greatest inspirations in life is my father. Having grown up without a strong family structure himself, he made a vow to create a different legacy — and he has done exactly that. He has been the biggest supporter of my brothers’ and my dreams, always encouraging us to develop our talents and pursue our passions. For that, I will forever be grateful. He is a father who is present, supportive, and generous with his love — a man who has truly given us good gifts.
We were raised in a home where a relationship with God was foundational. Prayer and worship were not occasional activities — they were woven into our everyday lives, thanks to my father’s leadership. Much like Joshua, he boldly declared that as for his house, we would serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15). In church, we were encouraged to serve, to give, and to worship in spirit and in truth — principles my father modeled consistently.
As the firstborn son, I’ve come to understand the weight of responsibility — to unite, to lead, and to guide my siblings. I’ve seen my father embody this with grace, setting an example I strive to follow. His care and love for his own siblings is admirable. He has always gone out of his way to make each one feel welcomed and valued. He taught me that a divided family becomes a breeding ground for destruction (Luke 11:17), and that unity and love must always be the foundation of a strong family.
A mantra that’s stayed with me since childhood is: “Looking good is good business.” For my dad, looking good was holistic — it meant excelling academically, professionally, and personally. He constantly reminded me that how I present myself outwardly should reflect the values I uphold inwardly. To him, education, discipline, and hard work were the pillars of success. These are values I still hold close and continue to build upon (Proverbs 22:6).
Reflecting on my relationship with my father, I am incredibly thankful for a dad who is consistently present, who offers godly counsel, and who lifts my spirits when I need it most. I’ve come to see that my relationship with my earthly father is a reflection of the love, care, and guidance I receive from my Heavenly Father.
Happy Father’s Day, Dad. I love you.
