Love and Accept My Dad

[Jermyn Davidson]

A very positive development has occurred in my relationship with my Dad. It's nothing short of a miracle, given my perception of our history.


By the Grace of God, somehow I am able to love and accept my Dad in a way that I haven't been able to do before.


His illogical ways, his "style" of preaching, his way of thinking-- I have lost my critical eye and I hope I never find it. I love and respect him on the inside-- not just out of duty.


I spoke with my Dad last night, over the phone. I asked him about his "One-Stepper" views and we found a lot of common ground, which I knew was there, but it was good to hear him come right out and say it.

The things that go in his church that I simply disagree with, I listened to his explanations and accepted them. In doing so, I found myself feeling more respect for the man he is.




As he explained his point of views to me, he called me "son."

He has rarely used that word in talking directly with me. NEVER has it held any meaning, if he has used it in the past with me.


He told me that he loved me for the first time (that I can honestly remember) back in March of 2008. I cried like a little boy, of course not in front of him, but it felt so good to hear him say that to me, and know that he meant it.



Same thing last night. In the course of our phone conversation, he called me "son" several times.

He didn't know it, but tears of joy flowed as I began to realize a sense of acceptance from him I haven't felt before.


I didn't let him hear my voice crack or anything like that.


I spent most of our conversation listening to him, listening to him carefully.

I started to ask him questions before he was done with his explanations, but I bit my tongue and just listened.


As I held my peace, I felt my Dad's love for me, as he called me "son", at least 3 times!

Even now, my eyes are watery.


In loving and truly accepting my Dad just the way he is, I feel a deeper love, respect and acceptance of myself too.


I truly hold no grudges against my Dad. I have no need for him to say, "I'm sorry" or anything like that.



It feels so good to feel loved by him. I thank God for letting my Dad and I share love and respect for each other, despite our differences.

In fact, our differences are not that big to me any more.

Now, I just love him, the way he is, human and all.



My Heavenly Father has given me a deeper love for the man I've known as "Dad", and for this, I will be eternally grateful.


Thank you Jesus!