Our Father

At the July 5th Completion Ceremony for Teen Challenge, all three guys who Completed shared incredible testimonies. I was blessed and encouraged by each one. Jay mentioned several times during the message how he wished his dad was present. You see, Jay's father passed away many years ago when he was incarcerated. Instead of attending the funeral in handcuffs and prison attire, Jay, along with his brother, made a decision not to attend.

I know when Jay spoke at the Completion service about wishing his father could be present, he deeply meant it. Growing up, Jay's parents did not attend school activities or little league games. Then, because of the lifestyle chosen for many years, there weren't many celebrations or ceremonies in Jay's honor. To have had his father present at a celebration like Completion, would have made his father proud. Having his father watch the transformation in his son would have been surreal.

As Jay left the platform that day to walk back to his seat, I noticed our son Christopher, who was video taping in the back, walk up to his father in the aisle. I noticed as he whispered something in his ear, and they both looked toward the platform, as smiles and tears appeared simultaneously. Later that evening, I asked what happened. Jay told me Christopher had said, "Dad, your Father is here" and he pointed to the cross!

WOW, the observations of a child.



In pondering that situation for the past few weeks, the Lord's Prayer comes to my mind.

Matthew 6:9-13

"This, then, is how you should pray:
" 'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.



OUR FATHER; our papa; our daddy God; OUR Father - yours and mine. He's The Father to the fatherless and The Husband to the widow.


I remember specific times in my life, that I have been in a large crowd of people and the voice of my child yelling "Mom" is the one sound that grabs my attention. If me, a human parent, leans an ear to my child who calls out, "Mommy, Mom, Mother" I have to wonder how much more does Our Father turn His ear to us as we cry out Father, Daddy, Abba??

He longs to talk with us. He cares about the smallest needs, the deepest pains, and the hardest decisions we face. He loves us with an everlasting love. He leads us beside still waters and He restores our soul. Have you told Him today how much you love Him?? He had told you. He has blessed each of us with a beautiful sunrise this morning, air to breathe and above all, an agape love that has the power to penetrate even the hardest heart.



In closing, I would like to share song lyrics by the group NewSong. God Bless us each and every one.



You're Favorite Name is Father
by: Newsong
album: More Life (2003),
Rescue: Live Worship (2005)

Almighty God
Lord of all creation
Ancient of days
The Holy One
So many names You've given us to call You
But one remains
Your favorite name

[Chorus]
Your favorite name is Father
You love to hear Your children calling
You're there to catch us when we're falling
Your favorite name is Father

Eternal King
Alpha and Omega
Jehovah God
The mighty One
So many names You've given us to call You
But one remains
Your favorite name
[Bridge]
Abba Father
Holy is Your name
Abba Father
Holy is Your name