Page 8 - The Fayetteville Press Newspaper May 2024 Edition

Page 8a The Fayetteville Press May 17, 2024 Edition

Editorial / Opinion

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Standards…..My Daddy...

The Fayetteville Press
Losing my Dad has been a very challenging Newspaper
experience. However, in one of my last conversa- “Your Community Newspaper”
tions with him when it had been decided at 93 yrs
of life medicine was no longer an option and GOD’s P.O. Box 9166
will should be done, my Dad said, “don’t worry about Fayetteville * NC 28311
me son I’m going to be alright.” He’d already told
me, “I’m depending on you to take care of this fam- (910) 323-3120 - Office
ily“ and he knew more than any accolade, not guilty www.fayettevillepress.com
verdict, jury award or settlement check, and many E-mail:
exceeded 7 figures, that there was nothing I de- fayepress@aol.com
sired more than his approval. My Daddy gave me
that approval and while I can cry on a dime daily *Publisher - JJ Jones
when I think of him, I believe we made peace for
all that I didn’t understand and embraced love as I *General Manager
Bishop Zack Rogers Jr. By Atty Allen W. Rogers appreciated where he has come from. My Daddy Chrystal M. Thomas
(910) 433-0833 unlike many parents today did not tolerate foolish-
I dedicate this article to my Dad the late Bishop ness nor did he tolerate your failure to do that which *Sales Manager
Zack Rogers Jr. My Daddy embarked upon his heav- from birth. When at birth they were told because of he taught you was right. With an 11th grade educa- Dwight Brown
enly journey January 1, 2024, in Richmond County, ironi- my asthmas and the umbilical cord around my neck tion, I had more respect for him than any elected
cally the place of his birth. It was by far the most dev- I had very little chance of survival, he was there. official, judge, or celebrity. He was indeed my hero. *Editor - Jae McKrae
astating experience of my life. Unfortunately, today we live in a society where I’ve never received much recognition for many rea-
My Daddy trusted GOD for everything. He taught parents not only do not discipline their children but sons but the only recognition I ever needed was my
about a GOD that brought him from the cotton fields often condone their poor decisions and bad behav- Daddy to say that’s my son and I’m proud of him. *Special Corespondent
wherein intimidating white farmers called him anything ior. With his passing it only seems right to share His passing excused me of trying to correct all of Queen Degraphenrei
except his given name. He spoke of a GOD that saved some of his wisdom that has impacted not only me, my past transgressions in relationships. While I re-
him from persecution after being chased out of Missis- but the communities he served as a Pastor. gret any harm I’ve ever caused anyone my tendency Staff Writer
sippi one night with his brother after trying to attend a Daddy taught us….If you do what you’re sup- to look back and say what if I’d done differently is Shelia Mclaughlin
movie theater and realizing that two young run away posed to do….if you say what you’re supposed to gone. In reality that person no longer exists. I’d
white boys were hiding under the carp cover on his say….If you keep your mouth shut around author- like to appeal to my brothers as Fathers Day ap- *Photgrapher
truck. Of course, if it was discovered he would be hung ity when you’re supposed to….if you respect au- proaches, to express your love for your sons and Bruce Carpenter
or brutally murdered. Thus, he had to resort to driving thority like you’re supposed to….if you only associ- your fathers. As men me we are taught to be tough. *Account Executives
expeditiously back to North Carolina to a police chief ate with those that you’re supposed to….if you make I use to think of my Dad as a very strict disciplinar- Dr. Don Reid
whom he knew could offer safety and a resolution. a clear decision to disassociate from others when ian who was unemotional. However, as I look back
My daddy taught me integrity and established the you’re supposed to….if you go home when you’re he had 6 children at 30 years old. I suspect there *Distribution
expectation of doing what you should do at a standard supposed to….if you leave when you’re supposed was very little to laugh about certainly in those times
that if maintained, your character would always be re- to….if you go where you’re supposed to….if you and conditions. So please let the men in your life Michael Dykes
vered. worship and trust GOD like you are supposed to….if know you love them. Don’t be afraid to drop the Nero B. Coleman
My entire life he proved if I ever called on him, he you put your faith in Him like you’re supposed to….if mask of manhood and share your fears and your
would answer and reassure me everything was going you live a GOD fearing life like you’re supposed hopes for them. Dad would often say “we have done * Graphic Designed By
to be all right. No matter the obstacle, I trusted and to….if you honor your Elders like you’re supposed so much with so little for so long that we can do Roslyn Graphic
valued his wisdom. Whether I felt like I’d been aban- to….and if you ask what would Jesus do when you’re almost anything with nothing.” I took my Dad to the
doned, betrayed, unworthy, unable, inadequate, supposed to….and follow that when whatever plight World Series a few years ago. As a child I was *Staff Chaplain
undisciplined…whether it was discord in my marriage, or situation that you are confronted with comes always eager to just touch him but given his chal- Bishop
my career, my health or livelihood, my Dad was right along….. you will be ok. It is promised that GOD lenges then it was awkward and fear kept me away. Larry O. Wright, Jr.
there ready to provide the support and reassurance I will always be by your side despite your failures While nearly impossible as a kid he embraced it a
desperately needed. No matter how close to death I and if you trust and seek first His kingdom you will lot more as he grew older. He became always will- E-Mail:
have come, he always spoke life into me. When friends never fail. ing to hug and say I love you even if he had to put fayepress@aol.com
abandoned me, and obstacles were in my life he was My Dad cautioned me to be careful with what my head back on for me to hear it…..but then of Web-Site
there. When my challenge was the bar exam he was you allow to go into your ear hole because it will course he was always right for doing so because he
there. When alcohol and drugs consumed my life, he affect you. While that which many regarded as en- was My Daddy…?? www.fayettevillepress.com
was there. When my marriage was falling apart, he was tertainment, he saw as the work of a spirit that was For
there. When the NC Bar was threatening to take my not Godly or in your best interest. He’d often ask
law license and livelihood he was there. When I suf- me “what’s the rush…because if you don’t have Subscriptions
fered from prostate cancer at age 39 yrs old with slim time to do it right the first time you definitely don’t Call
chances of survival he was there as he had always been have time to do it over.” (910) 323-3120

The Important Role of a Father By Dr. Shanessa Fenner

Fathers play a very important role in the lives of their children and family. There continues to be a con-
cern with the diminishing role of the father in the lives of their children. Young boys look up to and emulate their
fathers. They watch everything their fathers do and say because they learn by modeling behaviors. There are
things that fathers teach their sons that only a man can teach them and sons want
their dad’s approval. Young males watch how their father treats their mother and they learn about their iden-
tity and role as a young male.
Young girls love their fathers and want their acceptance. That is why it is crucial that fathers tell their
daughters they are beautiful, smart, and important so they won’t spend their lives seeking validation in the
men they date. Fathers teach their daughters about their value and self-worth so they will already know that when
they seek love. Girls watch how their father treats their mother and every little thing they do or say.
The man is head of household and it is his responsibility to ensure his family is taken care of.
Quality time, love, and providing are the best things a father can give his children. Sometimes the hustle and
bustle of life pulls you away from those little things that should be done, but it is imperative to spend time with
your children because they grow up so fast. Don’t let time get away from you.
There is nothing more beautiful than a man handling his responsibilities. We know that any man can make
Dr. Shanessa Fenner, Principal a child, but a real man takes care of his children no matter what the relationship is with the mother. Always be
there for your children. Research indicates that fathers are as important as mothers in their roles of caregiver,
protector, financial supporter, and a model for social and emotional behavior. You set the example and your
children are watching.
Many children do not have their fathers in their lives but they have the benefit of having an
adoptive father, uncle, grandfather, male cousin, stepdad, or other male figure in their lives.
We are living in tragic times that are especially important for fathers to teach their sons about the plight
of the young black male, what to do and say when stopped by the police, and to not live up to the
stereotypes that society has about them. Teach your sons the tools to understand and navigate racism
because you have experienced it firsthand.
You are important in the lives of your family and especially your children. Your presence makes a differ-
ence. Your dedication does not go unnoticed. Happy Father’s Day.