The timing of this year’s Father’s Day is fitting.

Our fathers have always been there for us, and for most of us they have worked every day to make sure we know the difference between what is right and what is wrong, guiding us, helping us.

We are in desperate need to remember just that after the tragic event that took place in Charleston, South Carolina this week.

We are sad and in need of answers. Growing up, when we had questions, dad was always the one to go to. He didn’t judge, he wouldn’t share your insecurities with the PTA, he would simply tell you what he knew (or did a convincing job of making up the answer), in order for you to grow and become a better person.

That’s what we need now. The questions spurning from Wednesday’s shooting are almost endless. Why would someone do this? Why haven’t we grown as a people? How did we get here? What’s next? What will happen? Why? Why? Why?
We ask that everyone think like that wise father figure that we all have gone to at one point or another. Lend each other guidance, introspection, or just time with each other, like that familiar silent game of catch.

We also need to remember that the wise male in our lives was always teaching, sharing, encouraging.

We have to continue to do that. We feel that Dylann Roof, the perpetrator behind the brutal terroristic act, needed a stronger figure in his life to put a different perspective in his life, to give him a different course. For all the father’s, grandfathers, uncles, brothers, friends, or anyone else – be that strong figure to show others how to be good. Set them on the right course.

It is everyone’s job to make this world a better place. Today, let’s remember to continue to be a strong paternal figure teaching and spreading good, not evil. Let’s also take a moment to thank our fathers for showing us the correct path.