Father's Day

It is Father's Day and many men are to be honored.  There are those who sacrifice much for their families needs and security.  Many have given their lives not only for their families but for future generations of their countrymen.  I know dozens who work hard to set an example of love, respect and service so their children can learn how to live a purposeful, meaningful life.

Unfortunately, I didn't have a decent father figure growing up.  And, even decades into adulthood, the effects of not having that important role in my life still linger like the smell of burnt toast long after it is in the trash.  Worse still though, the effect of having an abusive father is a pain that never completely heals.  Though not often now, sometimes I still hear him say "You're stupid", or "You're dumb", or "Shut-up", or a host of other unpleasantries that killed my self esteem and doomed me for relationship failures and poor choices in my early years.

God gives us opportunities to redeem the brokenness of our lives.  He uses our losses, our shortcomings and our pain to deliver us into a future of promise and fulfillment.  It may not be an easy road, this imperfect life we live, but if we remain open to bettering ourselves, to learning from failures and to allowing healing of our shattered souls we can come to a place of acceptance, of peace, and of understanding.  We can use our pain to be great parents, friends, spouses and to encourage and teach others that they also have purpose!