MY DAD
image courtesy of photobucket.com
This is a repost from a few months after my dad passed in 2010. I traveled down this road again today with our friends Chris and Michele. Michele’s dad left to be with the Lord last week. We celebrated his life today. My prayers go out to Hoyt Brown’s family. May God comfort them in their time of need. All we really have in this life is our Father and the ones He’s placed in our lives… May we travel this road with honor. God bless you my friends.
My Dad passed from this physical world to the spiritual world May 7th of this year. God blessed me with an earthly father who, “ran the good race, and fought the good fight.”
I could write a book about the character traits that make up a good man based on my Dad’s life. In fact… I did.
My first manuscript is titled, “The Common Threads Of Greatness.” I penned it in 09′ finishing the last of it in August, the last August of my Dad’s life. We didn’t know it was his last summer.
I’m not sure if God inspired me to write it based on the lessons taught to me from my earthly father, about my Heavenly Father. Whatever it was, it honors both my Heavenly Father and my earthly father, and I’m honored my Dad got to read it this side of heaven.
We talked of things written in my manuscript while he was battling his short bout with brain cancer. He spoke of the wisdom in my book as if it were a revelation to him. It wasn’t, but he was proud of me.
My Dad lived his life far above and beyond the folly that my life in my early years were marked by. His life was marked by selflessness, mine selfishness. His life of self-control contrasted mine by the lack there of.
One of my favorite stories Jesus told was, “The Prodigal Son.” My Dad reminds me of the dad in that story. In the story, I would be the example of the selfish son, who by his actions disrespected and dishonored my Dad and family. My Dad like the dad in the story never judged. He knew like the wise dad in Jesus’ story that I would need to learn life lessons the hard way.
Like the dad in the famous story, my Dad waited patiently and looked for me off in the distance, coming back to the light. It was my Dad who welcomed me back to wisdom.
When I reflect my life and conversations with my Dad I will forever remember how he always addressed me. He called me Son… That word, Son… In his voice it spoke love to me. The tone in his voice was forgiving, nurturing and accepting. It was my name to him. I never heard the words uttered by him to me, and didn’t feel his love. Even when he was trying to correct me or instill wisdom, it was patient and it was kind.
I’m honored to be his son. He was a simple man of simple faith. That faith in God that directed the paths of his life. I thank God for the example He set before me in my life.
The amazing thing I’ve learned about truly great people in life is this; The great ones never tell you they’re great. Their lives are marked with humility. Their actions speak volumes. Sometimes us foolish people miss it even with it right in our face. I didn’t miss it this time. I got to see it over my lifetime.
I thank God for my Dad. I wish I could have seen him a little longer…
I wish I could have talked with him a little more…
I wish I was a little more like my Dad…
I’ll carry my love for my Dad with me in this soul cage until I see him again on the other side…
I miss my Dad……
Thursday, July 26, 2012 @ 10:46 pm
Pensive~ What a special tribute. I hear a heart that yearns. I hear a thankful heart. It is wonderful that you were able to share your writing with your dad before he moved to Heaven. No regrets! My thoughts on losing a loved one is that it might be a bit like “ripping flesh”. Sorry for you loss and that it is still so near. Thanks for sharing with the rest of us!
Friday, July 27, 2012 @ 7:33 am
Thanks Nancy. I most certainly was blessed by God. I think sometimes ripping flesh is a lot less painful than the tearing of the soul.
Friday, July 27, 2012 @ 4:15 am
You have no idea how much I wish I could say this about my dad. It has probably been at least 4 years since I have seen him. Maybe 2 or more since I talked with him. He is a stranger. I envy you.
Friday, July 27, 2012 @ 7:36 am
I’m sorry to hear that Bill. We have no idea why we get the hand we get dealt by God, you of all people know that, but I think it might have something to do with our make up. It could be that I’m a weaker soul and needed that type of dad to lead me physically, while God made you the stronger soul and knew the path he chose for you would be to make a way so that you would lead the path of others… Which is what you do. Thanks for sharing your heart.
Friday, July 27, 2012 @ 5:40 am
My mother passed away when I was 15 years old and it was a very rough time for me during that period.Everything that we learn from our parents is apparent as we grow older and have children of our own. Sorry to hear about your loss, but we all know he is in a much better place than here.
Friday, July 27, 2012 @ 7:39 am
I’m sorry for your early loss Lincoln. I shared with Bill that I think God uses a harder road on the ones he makes stronger. I believe you are one of those people and your life reflects that. Your mom was an awesome lady and her legacy lives on through you. Thanks for sharing.
Friday, July 27, 2012 @ 7:00 am
Thank you Floyd. What a wonderful tribute to your father. I miss my dad so much but I know he is shinning in Heaven. Thank you both for coming and for all the prayer and support.
Blessings and Luv,Michele
Friday, July 27, 2012 @ 7:42 am
Our heart is with you guys. The sadness is for us and our loss, but God is good and gives comfort even in the tough times. What a blessing to have a dad like yours. I know you know that. Those are the true riches of this world.
Friday, July 27, 2012 @ 1:56 pm
A beautiful testemony of your Dad being like the prodigal’s Dad. Sorry you had to say goodbye for little while. How badly we need men like your father to be that example for younger fathers. I am sure you are drawing on things learned from him even today.
We have a son, away from the Lord and his Dad, my husband is one like your Dad. He has such loving patience with our son, grace all the way. Just today I heard them talking and I could hear in Jared voice a lack of resistance to what his Dad was saying. He is being blessed being in the presence of his father. Know God will use all that is said and acted out to wear down that stubborn heart in our son.
Again thank you my brother, such hope this post brought. Good writing.
Friday, July 27, 2012 @ 4:47 pm
Thanks so much Betty. I’m confident your son will too come back to the Light like I did. I’m praying for your son to that end. You’re right, we need real men with real strength to show society what being a man really is. God bless you and all of yours.
Friday, July 27, 2012 @ 5:42 pm
I love the way you paid tribute to your dad. I am glad you were able to share your manuscript with your dad before he passed from this life to the next. He was proud of you and perhaps he knew and was pleased that you were following Jesus as he had done. My dad had little to do in raising me, except for an occasional beating. It was my mother who taught me lessons to use in life. My dad was hard working and in his way he did love us three kids. I know he is in heaven and I am happy about that.
Friday, July 27, 2012 @ 5:55 pm
That generation was action, few words, but their actions spoke volumes. I was definitely blessed and I like you am looking forward to seeing my dad again. If it’s true God sends those closest to us to come get us to take us home, it will be my dad… Thanks Hazel.
Saturday, July 28, 2012 @ 12:36 pm
A great tribute to your dad, Floyd
I love what you say about greatness. it’s simple, sometimes passed over because those who possess it never shout about it. Great fathers are such. Faithful and present, shaping generations to come.
I lost my dad 5 years ago – his strong legacy lives on. We can’t stop talking about him – sometimes feels like he went out for a walk and will be back soon – because his finger prints are all over our lives. We are because of what he was and the kind of blessing he left us. He was not perfect, but he was a father.
I am glad that your father and Michele’s father and my dad knew Jesus. That’s all that matters in the end.
Saturday, July 28, 2012 @ 2:07 pm
“Feels like he went out for a walk and will be back soon – because his finger prints are all over our lives. We are because of what he was and the kind of blessing he left us.” Wow! Those are amazing words of power about the ones God chose to guide us… and in the end, knowing the Truth is truly all that matters…
I think you should consider using the words you shared here to expound on a post about your dad. I know it would be great… Thanks Ngina.
Sunday, July 29, 2012 @ 10:49 am
Our culture has so many stories of parental abandonment, mine included. It is beautiful that you take the time to share the goodness of our men, with a watching world. You never paint him as perfect, yet it’s clear he was perfect for you. What a powerful blessing. I can see why you miss him so. I also see you being very intentional about the father and husband you want to be, obviously because of the great man your dad was. Your legacy will be powerful Floyd.
Sunday, July 29, 2012 @ 12:34 pm
Thank you Audra. Those are very kind words, I’m probably not worthy of them, but I appreciate your heart. I was blessed beyond what most people are regarding my parents. I think I must be the weaker of the souls and God knew I’d need it.
Monday, July 30, 2012 @ 5:22 am
Floyd, I’m just a mess of tears right now…
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful man!
Truly, he is a treasure to you. And I’m sure you were to him. I’m so glad he got to read your manuscript before leaving his earthly suit behind.
You learned your lessons well. You are truly a man after both your Father’s hearts!
Monday, July 30, 2012 @ 9:09 am
Thank you Diane, I’m not there yet, but I’m closer than I was… Thank God for His blessings…
Monday, July 30, 2012 @ 10:23 am
Your relationship with your fathers is a joy to read about. I can only imagine how tough it has been for you to be without him.
Monday, July 30, 2012 @ 12:38 pm
Thanks Brad. I miss him, but without question, God used him to help make me strong. I have had such an advantage because of the gift from God or my dad.
Monday, July 30, 2012 @ 11:15 am
You have definitely traveled this road with honor, Floyd. Your words are particularly poignant to me as I reflect on my own father, also who died in 2010. I still miss him and wish I could talk with him here. I know I will later, but still.
I’m sure you are a blessing to your friends who are new to this road. Blessings to you.
Monday, July 30, 2012 @ 12:41 pm
Thanks for the kind words Lisa. With all honesty, I’m not yet in the league of my dad or yours, but God is bringing me around. Thank you for your kind heart and words, I know we both grasp the blessings, but the physical loss reminds us this is a fallen world. I pray for my mom. Her loss is beyond comprehension at this point in my life. I’m praying for you and your family.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012 @ 7:06 pm
Sorry, Floyd, that it took me so long to give you a visit.
How I wish I could tell you of my own Dad. He died when memory is so young to recall. I grew up with a loving Grandfather and when my mom remarried, I found one but I never considered him my own because we (3 siblings) had 9 step-siblings. It was too late for me to make him stand as a father although he tried so much to be. He was a good man.
I believe a father who is Godly is the best example to a son or even to daughters. Mommas are naturally spiritual, but Dads who are leads sons to God too. Yours is such a one. I admire your Dad for he made you close to Jesus.
Thanks for sharing to us this story, Floyd.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012 @ 7:09 pm
…and I’m praying for comfort for your Mom and of course, you too.
Thursday, August 2, 2012 @ 11:02 am
That’s the best thing in this world! Thank you on behalf of my mom. God bless you Lolita.
Thursday, August 2, 2012 @ 11:01 am
Thanks for stopping by Lolita! It is a pleasure. And thank you for the kind words and wisdom, we just don’t get enough of them in this short life…
Thursday, August 2, 2012 @ 12:28 pm
What a blessing to have a father like you did. A true man of God and leader, like yourself. This post reminds me about how short life is, so we should make the most out of it.
Thursday, August 2, 2012 @ 12:46 pm
Excellent point Dan. Life is short, we do need to make the most of it. “Only what’s done for Christ will last.” I was blessed, I know others like yourself had it infinitely tougher… But God knew what He was doing… You’re reliance on Him is encouraging my friend. Thanks.
Thursday, August 2, 2012 @ 12:50 pm
So true, the things that last are the things we have done for Christ. We all have different story’s and life experiences. No matter our story we should use it to help others.
Thursday, August 2, 2012 @ 1:18 pm
Well said Dan.