I am so imperfect. Even when I try, I fail miserably. My best is nothing more than filthy rags before the King. And yet, like a proud parent, he takes my feeble attempts at loving him and returns them to me something glorious. My sin is reprehensible and in need of severe chastizement. However, in love, he admonishes me to be something better and forgives my sin so that I may have a new start. Your faithfulness amazes me, Father. Thank you for all that you are.
SRay
The Godly man is a rare thing these days. In a world of single mothers and children with crushed dreams and no stability, one can’t help but wonder what has happened to our Dads. Especially in the African-American community, it is nearly a miracle to stumble across a family in which the father faithfully attends to the needs of his children. But, the real question isn’t about the fathers, for the measure of a father’s success with his children IS his children. After all, the fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree. And the children of unfaithful fathers grow up into hood and look back into a life of disappointment and empty promises; a life of frequent pain. And they come to a crossroads. A crossroads that that will confront them many times. And each time, it will determine the course on which they will spend the rest of their lives. The children of unfaithful fathers have to make two choices: how to reconcile the unlove of their fathers, whether to live the same or differently. One struggle that seems nearly impossible to avoid is the struggle with forgiveness. Pain isn’t something that we can easily let go of. And it certainly takes time. But forgiveness is freedom…the only other alternative is bitterness and unhappiness. And the first choice prerequisites the second, which is how to live. The fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree. Well, that might be true with dogs and horses, but we humans have the ability to choose what kind of life we will live. And although certain circumstances predispose us to certain actions, whatever action is taken is still our choice. I exhort all those who have been hurt to break the chain…NOW; to decide to live differently than that in which they lived. And to be, one day, a better Father whose children are steady and filled with his love. But more, love your Fathers, for this is God’s desire. And find that, no matter how hard it is, you will find freedom in forgiveness and attempting to love, not in bitterness and never letting go. The only thing there is and the increased likelyhood that you will be what you so despise.
In Christ. Happy Father’s Day
SRay
Father, thank you for days that cause me to comtemplate your greatness; days with a fresh morning breeze that seems to wisk away my doubts and fears and calm me into understanding that something greater is at work. And in that greater force, you, will I trust. I love you, Lord.
SRay
Sin, at its essence, is an unfounded assertion of one’s personal importance over the importance of what God has instituted. Too many fathers think it more important to feel young than to take care of their families. Too many teenagers think it more fulfilling to sacrifice timeless, eventual virtues for the immediate availability of pleasure. Too many women find it more important to usurp authority that isn’t theirs rather than submit to submission. In the end, it is selfish. And with that for self gratification, Satan has dooped us. Because while we are fighting battles over the preservation of self, people everywhere are loosing their hope. Young children without Fathers seek love wherever they can find it; likely in the streets where and are the ruling forces. Teenagers with no direction are seduced by a lifestyle of “get it now”, rather than working hard for what they want. And perhaps the saddest part about it all is that many of us are willing to sit aside and do nothing to counteract this trend. Nor can we. Because in order to be a mentor, a helper, or a hope, one must look outside himself into what NEEDS to be done. One must be truthful in understanding and accepting that God’s way is better. This whole self-sacrifice thing really works…if we all pitch in. Because when we all pitch in, no one is left behind. Isn’t that what love is really all about?
SRay
