Our Father Who Art In Heaven
 |
| Bear Lake photo by debbiethisandthat.com |
Yesterday, I sat in front of the television and watched the funeral of Billy Graham. There were a few moments that found me tearing up. One such was when each of his children stepped to the podium to speak a few words about their father. I have always wondered about grown women who, in their sixties, seventies and, in my mother-in-law's case, their eighties, continue to call their fathers "Daddy." This was true of each of Graham's daughters as they spoke about their father.
If you have ever read the book, The Shack, you will remember that the narrator's wife referred to God as "Papa." Both Daddy and Papa are terms of endearment that speak to respect and adoring love for one's father. That is something I don't really know about in terms of earthly Fathers. I had a Father whom I called "Dad." We were taught to respect him growing up, but I also feared him. He was never a "Daddy" and I sometimes envy women who are still able, as older women, to refer to their fathers this way. Perhaps you can relate to these feelings or at least understand them. So, when I hear people speaking adoringly of their "Daddies" I'll admit I get a little jealous!
The truth is, however, that I do have a "Daddy" in my Heavenly Father. I John 3:1 says:
"See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him."
On a few occasions, I have tried calling God "Daddy" or "Papa" in prayer. I'll admit it feels a little funny to me. But, it helps me to realize that the love God has for me is the love of a parent looking upon their precious child. Some Christian people also refer to God using female parent terms such as "Mother." I do not feel offended by this as I know that God loves me with an intensity that is both Mother-like and Father-like. And that, to me, is a wonderful gift!
My Heavenly Father loved me enough to actually come to Earth in the form of Jesus in order to give eternal life to His children. Thanks be to God for this wondrous gift!
"This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life."
John 3:16 (The Message)
Blessings,
Debbie
The truth is, however, that I do have a "Daddy" in my Heavenly Father. I John 3:1 says:
"See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him."
On a few occasions, I have tried calling God "Daddy" or "Papa" in prayer. I'll admit it feels a little funny to me. But, it helps me to realize that the love God has for me is the love of a parent looking upon their precious child. Some Christian people also refer to God using female parent terms such as "Mother." I do not feel offended by this as I know that God loves me with an intensity that is both Mother-like and Father-like. And that, to me, is a wonderful gift!
My Heavenly Father loved me enough to actually come to Earth in the form of Jesus in order to give eternal life to His children. Thanks be to God for this wondrous gift!
"This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life."
John 3:16 (The Message)
Blessings,
Debbie
2 comments:
I too watched the funeral service.
I too perked up when I heard them refer to their father as daddy.
I am 70 years old and to this day, I still call my father daddy.
Sometimes I feel a bit awkward depending who I am talking with when I make reference to my daddy, but it is just so natural for me. That's what I have always called him.
It was a lovely service...very simple and to the point. Be ready. I'll see you in Heaven.
Linda
I also watched the celebration of Billy Graham's life. Twice, in fact! I had the privilege to see and hear him in person several times years ago, and he had quite an impact on my walk with the Lord. My favorite part Friday was also when his daughters spoke, and his sweet sister! The youngest daughter really touched my heart with her story, and related her father's reaction to how our Heavenly Father regards us. So powerful!! My name for my father was always Daddy. Interesting that my mom is still living and I've always called her Mother, yet my father was very strict and could be rather gruff, to say the least! I am not able to use "Daddy" or "Papa" when talking to God, just can't do it! "Father" works for me, maybe because Jesus refers to His heavenly Father that way and I'm used to it! No matter, we know he is a perfect, loving Father, and how fortunate tgat we know Him!!
Post a Comment