Have a Happy Father's Day!

Our fathers do so much for us besides helping to bring us into the world. Most fathers have a hand in providing for their children, and helping to raise them. Fathers provide a role model for boys and girls and much-needed guidance. Usually our teen years cause us to lose respect for our fathers as we become increasingly aware of their flaws.

We typically don't appreciate our fathers until we are grown and well into our 20s or even 30s, or worse -- when our fathers are dead. When we look back, we see the difference they made in our lives, just be being there, and how they enriched our lives by working so hard, by providing a sense of security, and by the things they taught us along the way.

This lens is a tribute to fathers for Father's Day.

Father's Day is an annual celebration honoring fathers celebrated on the third Sunday of June. Father's Day pays homage to fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society, and reminds us of the importance of our dads.

Four United States Presidents had a hand in establishing Father's Day: President Woodrow Wilson, President Calvin Coolidge, President Lyndon B. Johnson, and President Richard M. Nixon. For more information on Father's Day, read A Brief History of Father's Day.

A father or dad is the a male parent of any offspring. A "father" does not necessarily have to be a child's biological father.

Many children consider adoptive fathers or stepfathers to be their dad, and it is not unusual for a grandfather, uncle or other male relative to step into the father's role.

Traditionally, the father, whether biological or not, protects, teaches, supports, and and has responsibility for the child and the family.

Television Fathers

In years past television shows like "The Andy Griffith Show," "Father Knows Best," "Rifleman" and other programs depicted fathers in a better light. Today's sitcoms have unfortunately too often reduced dads to the punch lines of jokes.

The Bible is full of scripture verses about fathers and their role in the family. From the Old Testament and the New Testament, we can find many verses teaching children the importance of honoring their fathers, and teaching fathers the importance of raising their children correctly.

To read some of these Bible verses about fathers, visit:

Seven Quotes & Bible Verses For Father's Day & Birthdays - The Best Quotes For Dads

It is traditional to give fathers a gift on Father's Day. When I was growing up, our traditional gift was to give our dad "Old Spice" after shave or cologne along with a Father's Day card. Today's gifts are a little more sophisticated, from electronics to sports, but good skin care is still important for Dad.

Father's Day gift ideas from Rodan + Fields Dermatologists

These clinical skincare products are not makeup but are effective dermatologist-grade products for the skin conditions of men and women aged 24 - 84. Skin is the biggest organ of the body, and dads are typically outdoors a lot for sports, recreation, yard work, cookouts, etc. This year give the man in your life the gift of healthy skin for Father's Day with healthy skin care products.

Several Christian and Gospel artists including Jaci Velasquez, Dottie Peoples, Percy Bady, David M. Edwards, and Bryan Popin have taken the time to share their thoughts on their fathers with us. These Father's Day thoughts are both inspiring and fun reading for you and your dad.

Jaci Velasquez, Dottie Peoples and other Christian artists on Father's Day (Video)

Father's Day is a time I remember my own father fondly and with sadness that I didn't get to know him better while he was still alive. Here are a few of my poems for Father's Day.

Father's Day Poetry - a collection of three poems

My Father's Legacy

Col. William Allen Darden

William A. Darden - My Father Remembered