One of the biggest issues that face the world today is the problem of fatherlessness.
It is said that it is the father who gives an identity to a child. When the father is absent or abdicates his duties, a multitude of problems arises.
Studies show that the absence of a father or a father-figure can cause children to under-perform, be prone to substance abuses, be in poverty and live a life of dysfunctions.
But take heart, we have a Father in heaven who will be more than enough to give you your identity and deliver you from the troubles of this world: “One God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:6, ESV ) I am throughly blessed to have an intimate relationship with God as my father the moment I gave my life to Jesus.
Among the many things I am so thankful to the Lord is that I have never experienced the issue of fatherlessness. In all my 50 years of existence, other than the Lord, there was a man who has always been there in my life: providing for me, guiding me, disciplining me, molding me and have given me my identity.
I honor my father for who he is and everything he did in my life and for my family. My Dad was a great model to me. To those who know my father, they will see that his impartation in my life is very strong — I am hard working, fiercely loyal to my wife, a provider and protector of my own family, disciplined and God fearing… all thanks to my father.
One of the specific imprints he left in me was financial preparedness. Growing up, I would often question why he was very tough on money matters and why he kept telling us to be financially -abled and financially prepared. When it comes to finances, he knew that tough love was needed for us to grow understanding the value of hard work and control.
While I did not understand why in the past, I fully understand now and in fact the many lessons I learned from him are what I teach today. I would often say in my talks that my first finance mentor was my father, he is the first financial planner I ever met.
My Dad has left his imprint in all his children and that goes beyond finances. My siblings are all fiercely loyal to their families, and all are God-fearing, because of him.
Dad, I honor you… 85 years is too short for a good man, a good father to us and a role model to me. I am comforted that you will finally rest, knowing that you have prepared me and my siblings in the adventure of life despite the trials and imperfections of this world. I take greater comfort that you have entered a place where there is no more sorrow and where life is perfect eternally, basking in glory of the Lord.
Farewell Dad and thank you. I love you.
Ricardo Tantoco Tiongson, 1932-2017
(Randell Tiongson, RFP is an advocate of Life & Personal Finance. With nearly 30 years of experience in the Financial Service Industry – Banking, Mutual Funds, Insurance and Financial Planning, and Management Consultancy – he has become one of today’s most respected personal finance coaches in the country. His writing appears here with the author’s permission. Check out his website for more financial advice www.randelltiongson.com)
