I have mixed feelings about Father’s Day weekend. I always enjoy the pictures on Facebook of fathers and their daughters from yesteryear.  I see them dancing, sitting on their father’s lap and being held  high in the sky cradled in Daddy’s arms. I can honestly say I have no pictures and no fond memories to share. My father was an alcoholic with a history of abuse and prison stays. It’s sad, but I have come to realize I am not alone. For every photo of a loving dad, there are sons and daughters out there who cannot post even one special memory.  So today’s article is for those of us “have-nots” on Father’s Day weekend.

As a child, I hated meeting my friend’s parents for inevitably they would ask “What’s your name and who’s your daddy?” My name was easy but identifying with my father and all his escapades was humiliating.  I could never have friends over to my house because I never knew when my father would arrive drunk, abusive and dangerous. I am very blessed to have had friends who didn’t judge me for my situation but allowed me to earn their respect and love based on my own actions. 

As a young child, I heard and received the good news of Jesus Christ.  I learned that He was willing to make me a joint heir and to share his Father God with me. I began to develop a relationship with a heavenly Father who was completely different from my earthly father. Daddy God became my provider, my confidant, my protector and I came to understand the beauty of adoption as I was by faith adopted into the family of God.  

I believe a child should not have to choose between an earthly father and a heavenly father.  Every child needs both to develop and mature into the man or woman they should be.  In reality, however, there are those of us this Father’s Day weekend that did not have the option of a loving earthly father. But all of us have the option of a loving and faithful heavenly father. The option is exercised by choice and by simply receiving God’s gift of love and redemption. 

Psalms 68:4-6 says, “Sing praises to God and to his name! Sing loud praises to him who rides the clouds.  His name is the Lord – rejoice in his presence!  Father to the fatherless, defender of widows — this is God, whose dwelling is holy.  God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy. But he makes the rebellious live in a sun scorched land.”

God’s great love reached down from heaven and gave me an answer to “Who’s your daddy?” I wish I had photos of Him to share on Facebook but I don’t. I can only share his reflection through my life as I love, serve, bless and encourage others. It’s up to me to represent the family I’ve been adopted into and the daddy who has raised me with love and care. I am humbled by this opportunity.

Romans 8: 14-16 puts our relationship with God in clear, powerful words. “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.  So you have not received the spirit that makes you fearful slaves.  Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children.  Now we call him, “Abba Father,”for his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.”

Daddy God loves you and will never leave you nor forsake you. Celebrate Him this weekend!