Tomorrow, June 19 will be the 110th anniversary of the first Father’s Day in America.

The annual day set aside to honor dads was first established in Spokane, Washington in 1910, and was the brainchild of Sonora Smart Dodd.

Sonora was the daughter of Civil War veteran William Jackson Smart who was widowed twice, yet raised 14 children.

She wanted to honor her dad on his birthday, June 5, because he was such as great father to the children he raised mostly as a single parent.

It wasn’t until 1972, six years before Sonora’s death at the age of 96, that President Richard Nixon signed a Congressional resolution declaring the 3rd Sunday in June to be Father’s Day.

My own father passed away 2 years ago at the age of 91.

Many of us would love to honor our dads in some special way.

But what about those who have or had a dishonorable father?

I remember the advice a pastor gave a young man who wanted to obey the 5th commandment to honor his father, but he had lost all respect for his dad.

That pastor said, “The best way for you to honor your father is for you to live a godly life—that will bring honor to your dad in the eyes of God.”

I am thankful I had a godly father, and I wrote a song about him in 2009:

He stands like a sentry, guarding a gate he knows when to open and close.

Because he is willing to follow the Lord, it’s not just a house, it’s a home.

And though he may struggle to see what is right, and follow the wisdom above,

He leads like a shepherd guarding his flock. That’s what a real Father does.

Remember the times when you questioned his word? He replied, “Because I said so!”

He saw towering mountains and feared you could fall; To you all those mountains looked small.

Perhaps now you see what your father once saw and how much he needed your trust.

In order to lead you, teach you and guide you. That’s what a real Father does.

Next week: Let’s talk about race

Dan Williams is the senior adult pastor at Lexington Baptist Church.