Saint Paul writes: “but I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.” (1 Corinthians 11:3)
So, what happens when men, especially fathers, are weakened?
Let’s look at nature.
My children and I were watching a nature show about lions. The pride lost its head male. The cubs and mother were left alone. We learned that the male lion is the glue that holds the family together. When he dies, is sick or injured, the family is critically weakened, if not destroyed. The remaining members may scatter, have internal conflicts, wander off alone, or get attacked and die.
Secular society is trying to weaken not only the human family structure and each individual member, but especially the males. Especially the fathers. The fathers that are the glue to the family.
While many fathers have died or for other reasons are not able to be with the family, perhaps due to work or if they are in the military, it is a fact that families need fathers.
The main duty of a father and mother is to lead each other and their children to heaven. Of course, the evil one does not want this to happen. Therefore, the surest way to ruin a family is to attack the head.
Sister Lucia of Fatima stated in the 1980s that “a decisive battle between the kingdom of Christ and Satan will be over marriage and the family.” It is obvious today that this prophetic statement by Sister Lucia is occurring right before our eyes.
One of the largest attacks on the family is through divorce. As if you would need more reason to be Catholic, aside from eternal salvation, and while the figures are still concerningly high, married Catholic couples are less likely to divorce than other religions.
A good and strong Catholic husband and wife have a better chance at fighting against demonic attacks.
A father must lead the charge to protect and guide his family, just as Saint Joseph led and protected the Blessed Virgin Mary and Jesus. As God loves and protects His children and Church, so must a husband love and protect his wife and children. The home is the domestic church and must be a sacred, safe, and holy space.
Men should be strong, leaders, firm and forceful. Not in a chauvinistic, prideful, violent, and arrogant way, but in a way that he would never allow the horrors of the world to impact his family.
Here are ten tips for moms to help strengthen your husbands in their role as father and protector:
1. Pray for them. Ask for Saint Joseph’s intercession and read Ephesians 5: 21-33.
2. Consecrate your family to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Saint Joseph, and the Blessed Virgin Mary.
3. Try not to argue in front of your children, but if you do, forgive each other in front of them as well.
4. Praise your husband and acknowledge all the good he does. Especially do this in front of your children and encourage them to thank their father for specific things.
5. Always offer your husband advice or constructive criticism in private, not in front of children.
6. Pray together and as a family. The Rosary is a wonderful way for the family to pray together each day.
7. Shelter your children when they may be exposed to situations that are less than desirable.
8. Turn off the news and spend less time on social media.
9. Have fun together and make time to enjoy each other and your family.
10. Wives, remember that your role as a wife and mother is irreplaceable, as is your husband’s. Communication, understanding, and respect are key to a healthy marriage. Communicate your needs to him and do not expect him to be a mind reader. Also, ask him what his needs are.
Thank you to all the wonderful fathers!
Christina Frye is a lifelong Rhode Islander, wife, mother and founder of Catholic Mom Rhode Island, www.CatholicMomRI.com.
