I was 10 years old when I first noticed the affection my dad had for my mother. He often anticipated her needs, and in return, she seemed to simply appreciate his presence. Later, his tender ways would become a source of comfort for me too - and would even fill a gap, so to speak, when I felt lonely. He would go the extra mile to make me feel loved, like peel oranges or deliver a stash of peeled pistachios, while I studied for a final.
The beautiful reality is that the affection and acceptance my daddy provided had a direct impact on my self-worth. And for that I am extremely grateful. However, there was also a downfall. I saw him as my hero and it fixed my mind on the only noble qualities to expect from a man. Because of this, it complicated my own marriage as I had unrealistic, unspoken expectations for my husband.
My dad was not perfect but was a special person in my life that provided reassurance when I needed it. Maybe you are able to relate? Or maybe not? Maybe reading this pulls some strings in your heart - those of bitterness and resentment that came from the rejection and absence of your biological daddy.
Stick with me for a moment. What if we all had a Daddy that would hold us tight when disbelief or fear stole our joy? What if not feeling enough pushed us to extend our arms and accept the embrace from our Heavenly Daddy? Unconsciously, the pain or worldly promises about our earthly father wires our understanding of our Heavenly Father. The journey to reconcile this thinking requires us to turn to the truth that only our Heavenly Father can provide.
"I will be a true Father to you, and you will be my beloved sons and daughters”, says the Lord Yahweh Almighty" 2 Corinthians 6:18
For those of you who desire to skip the Sunday when we honor all the dads, my prayer is that you may turn to our Heavenly Father as He is spoken about in Romans 8:15...the ultimate example of fatherhood:
"you will never feel orphaned, for as he rises up within us, our spirits join him in saying the words of tender affection, “Beloved Father!”"
Friends, as you accept the ultimate gift of being called a son/daughter of the Most High King, I pray that you can begin to reconcile the idea of honoring your earthly father. It may be a process, but one worth starting. The word of God says that honoring our father will bring long life on the earth.
“Honor your father and mother - which is the first commandment with a promise - so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Ephesians 6:2-3
To all the Dads out there - Happy Father’s Day!
To my very own Papito lindo, who is a humble, hardworking hero in my eyes...I thank YOU with tears in my eyes. Your unconditional love and servanthood have shaped my heart.
To my Papa in Heaven, I’m eternally grateful that you delight in me.
“The same way a loving father feels toward his children - that’s but a sample of your tender feelings toward us, your beloved children, who live in awe of you. You know all about us, inside and out. You are mindful that we’re made from dust. Our days are so few, and our momentary beauty so swiftly fades away!”
Psalm 103:13-15
Erika Andrade is the wife of one adventurous warrior for 15 years, mama to 4 kingdom arrows (ages 3-12), Procter and Gamble manager for 17 years, and ambassador of truth and grace to many hermanas(os). Above all, a daughter of the most high King made on purpose, for a purpose. She was born into a family with hard-working, Mexican immigrant parents who settled in the Chicago area where she was raised. She lived in Cincinnati, OH for 15 years and has been in Cape Girardeau, MO for 3 years.
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