With Father's Day approaching, I wanted to share the thoughts that consume me regarding my Dad. We each, have our own memories, but I'm especially fond of mine, for many reasons. I grew up in a "Preacher's Home". My Mom & Dad were Pastor's and young parents by the age of 21. I was born in Houston, TX then my parents moved to a couple of other towns in Texas before finally settling down in a little town in SW Louisiana called Jennings. It was in Jennings where I started Kindergarten and grew up graduating High School in the same town. My memories of those days are wonderful! While my Dad was busy building a church, my Mom stayed home and raised a family. Now, that I'm older and reflect on those years, I remember having a hard time being a 'preacher's kid'. The eyes of the church people were always on me, judging my every move. I couldn't sneeze without someone telling my Dad what time and where I was. Although, we grew up under constant scrutiny, Mom & Dad always tried to keep balance in our lives. They made time for family vacations, school activities, family get togethers...whatever it was to keep as much of a balanced home as possible. For some years, I was angry and hurt with my parents because of their choice to be in ministry. I mean, after all, I didn't choose that lifestyle, why should I have to be apart of their way of living. It was a selfish thought, but I had it, nonetheless. As I matured, I began to notice something. My parents didn't choose their calling, but rather, the calling chose them.
They were naturals at caring for others. You see, in many churches today, the Pastor doesn't do what I grew up experiencing first hand. My Dad made ALL of the visitations. He visited the sick in the hospital, whether they were dying or just having a minor surgery. He ministered at the local Nursing home and he actually went to the Saints' houses and prayed for the sick. He personally dedicated babies, married couples in love and buried the losses of loved ones. He got in the baptismal in his jeans and a T-Shirt and actually baptized people. He went to dinner with the church folk. He took time to support local businesses and give the Benediction at citywide events. You see, my Dad was a TRUE 'MAN OF GOD'. Not just one who everyone was told to respect and call 'man of god'. No, He walked and talked everything he preached. He lived his life the same in Public as well as at home. He didn't treat my Mom one way at church and another at home. He didn't have a level of lifestyle that he had to portray in order to preach about being financially blessed. He just preached prosperity in ALL forms, not just money. We were prosperous, and we had less than we do now. We were prosperous because we had love, honor, hope & faith in our home.
I am so blessed to have my Dad still with me today. He is the same Man now that I grew up with many years ago in a little town in Louisiana on Sherman/Roberta AVe.. I've watched Mom & Dad blessed with overflowing blessings and I've seen them lose it all! They've lost their home, cars, their parents, nieces, nephews, brothers & sisters. Despite the horrific ups & downs they've had to encounter, I know NO ONE with more character or humility than my Mom & Dad. Because, this Sunday is Father's Day, I wanted to especially draw attention to the man that has remained faithful, true & steadfast in my life, my Dad. When I couldn't hold my physical body up on my own two feet, just a few years ago during my dark hour, my Dad held me then, like he did when I was an innocent little girl. His arms may be older now, but they gave me that same sense of security that I had growing up. I am sooooooooo thankful and sooooo blessed to have such a wonderful father. I know his grandkids are just as proud of him and love him just as much. I've never heard a negative word or connotation come out of any of their mouths about their Pappy. He is so respected and looked up too, as their Pappy. He has balanced ministry & family with grace. I do wish more preacher's would go back to the 'old school' way of building a church, because men like my Dad, are few and far between, but definitely needed more today!
Dad, I love you! You are my hero, my confidant, my rock and the first man in my life. You have shown me how a REAL Man is suppose to treat a lady and what TRUE love looks like. Thank you just doesn't seem enough for what and who you have been to me and your grandkids. We honor you! You deserve the highest reward for your service in the kingdom, but you got us instead! Hahaha...Love u dearly...angie...your oldest!
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