September 14th will be the fifth anniversary of my dad's death, who succumbed to cancer at age 76. Even typing that sentence, brings back memories of me watching him slowly die of prostate cancer. He received the diagnosis in October of 2005 and died three years later in 2008. I miss my papa very much. He was a huge inspiration to me growing up and into my adult years. You see, I grew up in a pastor's home. Yes...I'm a PK.
My dad was an amazing man who encouraged me, inspired me, loved me, disciplined me, gave words of wisdom and on occasion handed me money saying....."you never know when you might need it....". I looked up to him, respected him, wanted to be like him when it came to loving people and loving his God.
My dad had been hurt many times during his 40 years of ministry but never turned his back on God or his calling. Everything he went through in his life, he always turned to God first and came out with a song of victory - always moving forward. My dad lived the life of obedience right in front of my eyes even when it was painful. He had a website of sermons that my mom would post each week so that people from all over the world could read what was coming from his heart. When he prayed, there was such a powerful force within him touching others lives. Many people were touched by my dad and I'm still hearing about it today. Many came to Christ because of my dad's life and how he lived it out. He was a man of integrity. I want to be that too. He was a man who knew his God. I want to know my God too.
I remember a time when I was having trouble getting over some hurt words that were being said about my husband, who is also a pastor. I called my dad crying, venting, so very hurt. My dad said to me, "Sharon, just keep putting one foot in front of the other - people are people. You cannot allow those hurts to sit on your shoulder. Their opinions are just that....their opinions. Keep to your purpose and your calling which is worship." My dad knew my heart was worship, so he encouraged me to just worship, sit at my piano and let all the "stuff" go. My dad was very cheerful, always had a hearty laugh, could talk to the lowest and highest of people, accepted people for who they were and where they were in life, loved his family, but most importantly, he loved his God.
He was my hero when I was young, and he is still my hero today.
Sharon,what a beautiful blog commemorating your Dad's legacy and sharing God in such way with you. Your Dad was so right you cannot allow the hurts to sit your shoulder or other people's opinions, as you said they are just their opinions.People will hurt us but that's when we need to focus on God and the strength and peace He has to offer us. I too am a PK, my Dads been gone 8 years and I miss him but remember his strong love for God and other people. Blessings my friend.
ReplyDeleteMarilyn (OBS Group Leader)
Sister Sharon: Wow--I thought I was reading about my brother-in-law who went into the arms of Jesus last Sunday. You are a real blessing to our OBS, because of your love for God, memories of your Dad and his love for God and others is now overflowing in our hearts. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this beautiful story of your Dad and his obedience. May you be blessed as we wrap up this study!
ReplyDeleteLauren, P31 OBS Small Group Leader
Sharon, what a beautiful tribute to your Dad. Your words and his spoke to and impacted me today. I will be taking these words with me on my journey: "Sharon, just keep putting one foot in front of the other....people are people. You cannot allow those hurts to sit on your shoulder. Their opinions are just that....their opinions. Keep to your purpose and your calling.......worship."
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing your Dad with us. His words are continuing to impact people even now that he has gone home.
Blessings to you,
Katrina Wylie (FB small group leader)