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!
__________________
"The choices we make reveal the true nature of our character."
Last edited by Jermyn Davidson; 11-25-2009 at 07:45 PM.
Jermyn, it brought tears to my eyes to read this. My father has been dead for 15 years this year, and I still miss him every day. Always glad to hear about fathers and sons connecting.
You never know... I so wish I could talk to my father again. Like you said, I would listen more - a lot more. It's not always about "being right". And ironically when one acknowledges that, other barriers are removed as well.
May God bless you and your Father.
__________________ "It is inhumane, in my opinion, to force people who have a genuine medical need for coffee to wait in line behind people who apparently view it as some kind of recreational activity." Dave Barry 2005
I am a firm believer in the Old Paths
Articles on such subjects as "The New Birth," will be accepted, whether they teach that the new birth takes place before baptism in water and Spirit, or that the new birth consists of baptism of water and Spirit. - THE PENTECOSTAL HERALD Dec. 1945
"It is doubtful if any Trinitarian Pentecostals have ever professed to believe in three gods, and Oneness Pentecostals should not claim that they do." - Daniel Segraves
I'm glad to see this Jermyn. I don't think you can overstate the worth of a godly father. I pray that your relationship grows and deepens for both of your sakes.
__________________
There are no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, Chuck Norris lives in Houston.
Either the United States will destroy ignorance, or ignorance will destroy the United States. – W.E.B. DuBois
I am crying tears of joy for you, J. D. What a wonderful gift God has blessed you with this Thanksgiving. I grew up in an abusive home. My Dad died without ever saying those words to me. About 5 years ago, my Mom (a backslider since her teens) came back to the Lord. It was after this, she finally told me that she loved me. I waited over 30 years to hear those 3 words, so I do recognize what you are feeling. God bless you and your Dad and may your relationship continue growing!!
__________________
Getting over a painful experience is much like crossing monkey bars. You have to let go at some point in order to move forward.
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