FAITH IN GOD AND MY DAD
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 by 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 thereof.
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, August 26, 2010 @ 10:26 pm
I love this. I have been ashamed of my actions these days & this reminded me that when we leave this earth, people will remember us a certain way for certain things we do & say… our fruits I guess. Papa wasn’t perfect but he sure set an amazing example of how to be Christ like. Miss him tons. Love you! -Herald
Friday, August 27, 2010 @ 12:01 am
Its crazy to think that when we feel we are at our weakest point in life, we are really at our strongest through and in Christ. For our weakness we are strong in Him. It is such a loaded phrase because in the midst of our pain,suffering,and weakness strength is often the last thing we feel. But it is at this point that He gives us all the strength within His will in order for us to come out of any situation that He presents to us. For all things are possible in Christ. His love for us is so immense that no matter how many times we pray or read The Bible,we will never be able to fathom it. Which is one of the many reasons why our God is so beautiful and marvellous. His love could go so far as to bearing a husband and wife with a child or even taking away a loved one all because He loves us that much. No matter what obstalce or joyful gift God throws at us, remember, it is all for the glory of His name. Our Heavenly Father will always provide us with what we need and He will never let us fall even when we feel we are at the end of our ropes, He will only pull us closer to Him. No one ever said it would be easy, but with Christ holding our hand nothing and no one can touch us for we have been blessed with strength. God strength. I wish I could of had the privilege of meeting such an incredible man of faith, but he raised a great son and I am so blessed to have you in my life. I love you Floyd.
Friday, August 27, 2010 @ 11:57 am
I’m so sorry for your loss. It sounds like you and your dad had a great relationship. And I’m guessing he was pretty proud of you, too!
Friday, August 27, 2010 @ 1:54 pm
I’m sorry too for your loss. I think it’s awesome how you honored your Dad in this article. It wasn’t that long ago, that my Dad passed away and I realized that I want others to know who he was. I want to keep his memory alive. You did that well for your Dad. I also agree with you about the true meaning of “greatness”.
Friday, August 27, 2010 @ 2:19 pm
Floyd,
I need a tissue. As you know, I am very close with my dad. Every Thursday morning over breakfast we share our life experiences past and present. The time we spend together means the world to me. I know I am blessed with a father who has always loved me unconditionally. His love, encouragement, and wisdom has given me strength throughout the years.
My dad does not attend church on Sundays. But, I know God lives in his heart.
Your father must have been a wonderful man. He raised a son with a heart of gold. This I knew before I read the message about your father. I see the tenderness in your eyes everytime I talk to you.
Friday, August 27, 2010 @ 6:36 pm
I don’t even know where to start. You have been such a huge inspiration in my life, as well as many others. You truly have a passion for teaching and guiding people to live an honorable and loyal life. It’s crazy, but I can still hear your quotes in the back of my head and they have helped me throughout tough situations, or even simple ones…like whether or not to go to the gym. You pushed every one of us not only in lacrosse, but in grasping what life is really about. I learned more valuable lessons from you than I EVER did or probably will learn from school.
I am sorry about your dad, but I truly believe everything happens for a reason. When you were sharing the great qualities your dad demonstrated, it reminded me of you. Thank you for the amazing impact you have had on many of our lives. I feel honored to have you in my life, and I know I have met a truly great person who will continue to inspire more people everyday. I look forward to reading more of your stories. Love you Floyd!
Monday, August 30, 2010 @ 10:30 am
Floyd,
It is amazing for me to see how strong you can be with the pen. I have known you for many years, but never knew how well you could write. I really enjoyed reading how you feel toward your dad. He was a leader of men, that is for sure. He also made the best mentor for my brother. I will always be thankful for that. I am very thankful to get to know Harley and for all of the time he shared with me. What else can I say, except “Your Dad did a great job with raising you!”
Best wishes always,
Lanny
Monday, August 30, 2010 @ 4:47 pm
Great reading Floyd and a nice tribute to your dad… I think you were more like your dad than you know. Lanny said he was a leader of men and so are you. I have watched and admired you leading the men around you for many years. Watching my son grow into the man he has become has made me so proud. I know your dad felt the same and there is no feeling like it for any father, earthly or heavenly. They did great by you.
Saturday, September 4, 2010 @ 10:03 am
Floyd,
Sorry to hear about your dad, sounds like you had a good relation with your dad. a lot of people don’t have that.sounds like your dad was a down to earth man ! thats where you got yours from. your dad did a good job with you!
And now you are passing it on to your kids. good work ! keep up the good writing .
patty
Monday, September 6, 2010 @ 8:00 pm
forgiving, nurturing and accepting, honor, selflessness, self control, wisdom, patient and kind humility. All such great words that we need to pass down from generation to generation. The words Lady and Gentleman also are still in the dictionary.
I don’t want to see any of these lost.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010 @ 8:36 pm
Hi Floyd,
We talked about the loss of our dads at the gym not long ago. My dad passed away 2 years ago tomorrow. There isn’t a day go by that I don’t remember my dad in some way. I have his picture in my car and say good morning to him every day. I don’t even know how to put into words the void I feel at times and yet I am happy for him because he accepted Christ several weeks before he passed away. I know he would not want to return to this life, that he is in Heaven with our Father and is having a great time.
Thursday, September 16, 2010 @ 7:05 pm
Hey Floyd,
I read the story about your dad and I am about ready to cry. You know, my dad passed away suddenly…it will be ten years this coming January. I remember waking up the next morning and I went into a bedroom where he slept. His room was across the hall from my room. And, he wasn’t there. It hit me that he was no longer around. I was getting ready to go to college at that time and I remember telling my sister that I didn’t think that I could go to school. My sister told me that I had to go. Otherwise, if I had stayed I would go crazy.
I remember that my dad told me that he was proud of me. That was a special moment for me and I cherish that.