When I think about my father, I’m immediately reminded of his devotion to his immediate family as well as his extended family.  He was a man who lived out his dedication to the church and was a bright beacon in the community we lived in.  He had several noble accomplishments, one of which was serving in World War II, but I believe his most noble accomplishment was rearing all of his children in the admonition of the Lord Jesus. He also stressed the importance of loving one another — something that people find it very hard to do these days.

Nowadays, there are many who have abandoned the belief that it’s important to have faith in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  The vast majority of people that I’ve encountered believe that they have access to God, the Father without having a relationship with Jesus Christ, His Son.  Well, my earthly father impressed upon me the necessity of having a relationship with Jesus, as he led the way to Sunday School and church every Sunday.  How my father raised me, and my brothers and sisters is aptly supported by John 14:6, in which Jesus said “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

As I go from day-to-day in this world, I’ve had to call on the Almighty Name of Jesus too many times to count, and He’s proven to be a present help every time. A year ago, He saved me and my family from the devastation of a tornado that was less than a mile away from our home.  When we prayed to Him, He was quick to answer us, and we don’t take that for granted. He just keeps saving us!

Today, I’m glad my earthly father introduced me to the Lord.  I don’t want to know what my life would be without Jesus.  I’m very grateful to God for the father He blessed me with, and I honor him on this day.