My Father has been my hero my whole life. I think that’s why three of my chapters in Stories between the Lines have strong father figures as main characters. The other chapters feature a father, but not as prominently. In “The Nephew” the Apostle Paul is a strong male influence; in both “Rhoda, the ‘Special One’” and “The Girl at the Inn,” their fathers are in the background but it is very apparent they are protectors, providers, and would do everything in their power to make them happy. In “Lazarus and His Sisters, Part 1 and 2” I believe they had a father who taught them to love Adonai, to be expecting the Messiah, respect everyone, be an example to all, enjoy laughter, and never apologize for the blessings bestowed on their family from Adonai.
My Dad taught my siblings and I many things. But I learned more from how he lived his life: how he loved and esteemed our mother, his deep respect and gratitude for Jesus, and how, unless he was asked, kept his strong opinions to himself when around those who did not believe in God or people who are counter to our Constitution.
The years of the “hippie movement” did agitate him enough to directly communicate with me about how he hoped I did not wish to follow that movement. Besides agreeing with hippies that I hated war (which my Dad did too—all good soldiers do!), I assured my Dad I could never be a hippie because I cannot stand not taking a shower. He laughed.
Many of us will never know all the sacrifices, energy, finances, and prayers that our parents invested in us. But I know one of the best things my parents taught me was that God always had the answer to any problem. Because of some bad decisions I made when I was a young adult, I went through some very dark years. Even then I still believed that God had the answers to my problems. Through a series of significant, God-ordained events, I had the opportunity to step out in faith and trust Jesus to walk me through the dense “forest so I could see the trees!”
My earthly father was still my example, teacher, and my security, but only my heavenly Father had the power to get me out of that mess!
Father’s Day is fast approaching (Sunday, June 20) and Stories between the Lines Inspired by New Testament Events would make a great Father’s Day present! As I mentioned earlier, each chapter includes a father in the story. It also includes 112 scripture references! For $12.99 (free shipping) please click on the “Buy the Book” tab. You can read it to your kids, give it to your Dad, and maybe even gift it to someone in need of knowing what’s inside the gospels so they too can be encouraged by Jesus’s love and power.
Happy Father’s Day to all those who have been entrusted with such a great honor. Fatherhood also brings great responsibilities. Jesus would love to help you.