May 28, 2005 was a wonderful day and my Dad was right by side. He confidently walked me down the aisle and gave me away. And when asked, “Who presents this woman in marriage?” he lovingly replied, ‘We do.” This Wedding Day photo was captured just after the family toasts. For as much as my Dad likes to talk, he was speechless! He was much more comfortable showing affection for me than talking about it. So there it was, a huge embrace between the two of us.
I am the first born of just two children and my parents didn’t wait for my brother to carry on my Dad’s name. He is Lee Alfred and I am LeAndrea. I often say that I could have been named LeAlfreda but I dodged the bullet on that one. LOL The two of us ‘Lees’ are peas in a pod as we share an amazing relationship that is strengthened by our similarities. We both love to talk, spending time with friends and family, and good food.
My Dad was my first boyfriend and superhero. He can dance, he would win every foot race, and he could use a hot comb on the stove to press my hair better than my Mom! I have so many fond memories of growing up with him. As they flood my mind, my eyes well up with tears, and I know that I’ve been abundantly blessed. Hold on. Let me grab a tissue…
I previously mentioned that I grew up in a Christian home and I attended church from a child. This was a decision that my father instituted. My Dad moved to Saginaw to work for General Motors before he even met my mother. There he joined our family church. It was really no question where our family would worship.
This decision to express their faith in this way gave me an introduction to my heavenly Father. Being introduced to God as a child was just another act of love my Dad showed me. Falling in love with Him was so easy. I was surrounded by a nurturing church family that provided opportunities for children to learn about God, His character, and how to live for Him.
However I must admit, having a Dad like mine made it exceptionally easy to trust God. I have a Dad who would move heaven and earth for me. I had everything I needed and I always felt secure. When I learned that God would never leave me or forsake me, I knew exactly what that kind of support looked like.
It’s simply not the same for everyone. Many families don’t include experiences like mine. The absence of a loving father still leaves a hole in the heart of many. I recognize this as it may prevent some of us of fully embracing the love of God.
Have you rejected God’s love and acceptance? Is it hard to receive the love of a loving Father because you don’t know what the looks like? God loves you! He loves you more than a natural father, boyfriend, and superhero all rolled into one. John 3:16 says For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son so that anyone who believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Living Bible (TLB)
As we approach Father’s Day, I encourage you to prayerfully search your heart. Open it to recognize all of the loving ways our Father God cares for you and demonstrates His love for you. The family we have and the friends we enjoy. The favor He gives us with our employers and the resources He provides to meet our needs. And these are just the basics.
Our Father loves us and desires to walk with us each day. He speaks to us through His Word, He listens to our hearts through prayer, and embraces us through His Spirit. If you’re not experiencing this kind of intimate relationship with God, know that this is His desire and He’s waiting at the end of the aisle for you.
Hope-Filled Thought: God is a loving Father who loves me.
Prayer: Thank You Lord that you are love and that you love me. Expand my heart to fully receive your love that knows no end. Make your presence more real in my life as I grow closer to you. I trust you and it is so. Amen
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