Sunday, June 21, 2015

Another Father's Day

The anxiety starts months earlier. Expectations whittle away at my denial until I can no longer ignore their penetrating slashes. Piercing echoes rebound in my head; the day is coming. The day is coming.

The cards lined up on the shelves in the store all ridicule me. “Which one of us will you pick this year?” they whisper tauntingly. I cringe at the thought of perusing the sentiments inside each small missive. What could I expect? These cards are for happy occasions. Love and gratefulness. To good fathers from thankful children. Who would make a card for me?

I could forget to send a card. I think about that rebellious act every year, but the guilt gnaws at me until I give in and pick the least sentimental, least personal card I can find, anxious to get the task over and behind me.

It could be worse; the anxiety could turn into a full-blown panic attack if I consider making a phone call instead. I’ve thought about it each time. But, what would I say? What wouldn’t I say? The deafening silence. The unspoken accusations. I didn’t have the strength. A phone call I didn't want to make. Memories I don’t want to remember. A father I don’t want to call my own.

A past I long to forget haunts me day and night. Why must I hide my pain? Why must I continue to act like all is well?

Shattered innocence.

 A child’s world no longer carefree. Where did that little girl go? Has she found peace? No, she’s still here, hiding deep inside. Yearning for safe shelter. Where is my guardian, my strength, and my protection? Am I strong enough? Not nearly enough, but my power comes from within. I will protect that little girl. She has nothing to fear with me by her side. I’ll hold her tight in the darkness so she no longer has anything to dread.

Who was that man who insisted I call him daddy? That man who entered my life while I was too young to choose. Who was that man who made me afraid? Long nights awake in the dark too afraid to close my eyes, too afraid to give in to sleep. Too afraid to wake up while the sun was still on the other side of the world. Daylight was my closest friend. Was my daddy like other daddies? Were all little girls afraid of the dark?

Shattered dreams and broken hearts, those were the crumpled, discarded toys of my childhood. No happy memories of father/daughter moments; no ice cream, fishing, or special days. Only darkness, fear, and shame. Responsibilities too heavy for a child to bear hung around my neck like an anchor holding me in place.

I applaud that young, scared girl, who grew into the strong brave me. Who still fears the darkness and who still lives with the shame. Yet, survived.

That man who is called “Father”, whose heart continued to beat within his chest; he lived on. Each year he grew weaker, yet he lived on.

I survived as well. Each year I grew stronger, knowing the end would come some day. A heart would no longer beat. When there would no longer be anymore Father’s Days.

And, now it is over. You are gone. And I am free. Am I bitter? No. Have I forgiven you? Yes.


However, I am ever so thankful, that there are no more dreaded Father’s Days for me.

Thursday, June 04, 2015

What's in a Name?

We all are given a name at birth. It sticks with us for the rest of our lives. Some change their names through their own volition or marriage. Some get nicknames tagged by others. Some get pet names by their spouses or lovers. 

There is One who goes by many names that has great power and compassion for mankind.  His name brings forth an awesome revelation that something more important exists in this world.

God created everything that exists. In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth.

The One who redeemed us by His precious blood, our Savior, was the Creator of this universe.

God is the great I AM! But, He also goes by many other names. Throughout the Bible and history, He has been called many names. Some you many know, some may be new to you. 


Other names for Creator:

God
Maker
Source
Divine Being
Supreme Being
Father
Almighty
Holiness
Jehovah
Lord
Master
Holy Spirit
All Powerful
All Knowing
King of Kings
Higher Power
Heavenly Father
Rock



Names of Jesus in Book of Revelations:

The First-born from the dead
The highest of earthly kings
The Alpha and Omega
Lord God
The Almighty
Son of Man
The First and the Last
The Living One
Son of God
Witness (also faithful witness)
Creator
Lion of the Tribe of Judah
Root of David
The Lamb
The Shepherd
Christ (anointed)
Faithful and True
Word of God
King of Kings
Lord of Lord



Whatever word you use when you call upon the name of God, remember to call in reverence and in love for the word that expresses the essence of our Creator in His most intimate relationship with you is LOVE, for God is love.

One thing you cannot deny is that there is power in His name.