Father(s)
Richard M. Wright
When on April 23rd I spoke about hiding behind locked doors in our heart – that sermon came from experience. Earlier this year as I was thinking and praying through some questions and doubts from last year I began to experience difficulty eating and sleeping. It turns out I was drawing dangerously close to a locked door I had managed to avoid for five years.
A fellow minister and I were talking in March. She sensed… something… and dared to ask, “Tell my about your dad.” Instantly the door was hurled open. Light poured in. Tears flowed out for the first time. That was what lay behind the hidden door.
My greatest fan and biggest cheerleader was gone and I had not recognized the significance of that loss. On him I relied so heavily for approval, support, encouragement, confidence. Perhaps the loss of one’s father marks another stage of life. Adulthood. Marriage. Parenthood. Loss of parent. Suddenly you are it. In charge. And on your own.
This fellow minister then asked, “Can you let God be your heavenly father?”
Now there is a question. How much did I – do we – look to others for what God and only God can provide? For our loneliness, brokenness, weakness, confusion, and hurt? Of course great (but still imperfect) dads (and moms!) are a tremendous blessing from God. But do we sometimes fall into the trap of letting a human being be for us what only God can and should be?
I understand that not everyone can remember their dad. Or that their memories are painful and negative. And so the image of God as “father” is difficult and problematic for some. Can you let God be your heavenly parent?
Oh God who births us and gives us life. Let us rest in you as our perfect and divine parent. Amen.
