People have “Daddy issues”. I’ve seen and experienced it more times than I expected. I don’t know why but ministry brings it out. Lots of people trying to serve their hearts out when its a broken and abandoned heart they’re working with. Christian kids. Non-Christian kids. Believing and unbelieving parents.
Rejection. Abuse. Absense. Hurt. Bitterness. Unmet expectations. Lies. Brokenness.
There’s a role of a father in a household and to his kids and wife that has gotten lost in translation with the noise of the world.
God disciplines. God disciples. God provides and protects. He leads and He loves.
Biblically, God tells us He is the Father and shares many words and demonstrations of this honored role. And whether its because of an emasculated church or fatherless homes… we don’t get to see that on earth too much. We’re called to be like Christ, and Jesus and His Father were One. But I’ve noticed how hard it is for our over-churched culture to truly know and trust what they’ve never experienced.
There are men involved in the World Race and in my life who have proved against the way of the world. Hard as it may be to see a culture without fathers, I see the need we all have for our daddies. I thank God that I have been blessed beyond measure with spiritual fathers around me. They speak truth. They love. They hug. They are fearless men of God who dream and pray for our young generation to be exceedingly great lovers of Christ.
Happy Father’s Day!
Gary Lengkeek – Gary Black – Pappy – Papa Larry – Chuck Day – Seth Barnes
– Tom Sipling – Mike Paschall – Michael Hindes – Andrew Shearman
These men love their God with holy fear and growing wisdom. They’re pretty much crazy… which is a fabulous influence for our “safe” generation. They love their wives and families more than worldly obligations. They offer bold truth, pray and prophesy. To my WR fathers… THANK YOU. Thanks for loving us all so very much. Thanks for each moment you’ve invested in the lives of Racers. Thank you for giving up sleep and comfort to travel hours just be with us in person. Thank you for allowing God to use you completely as you are. You’re a huge inspiration, encouragement, and example for a holy loving lifestyle.
Happy Future Dad Day!
World Race guys:
Kyle – Danny – Brandon – Aaron – Seth Jr. – Mark
I’ve known these men the last three years. They are each generously growing in their faith and love. I’ve seen incredible growth and humility in their lives. My brothers, I pray great blessings on you and your families. You are superb men of God. I am blessed to run this race with you.
Brian – Mike – Casey – Grant – David – Matt – Joe – Tres – Ralph – Tim – Joel – Paul
Men of God, rise up! When I met most of you I saw young faith with wild hopes. I have enjoyed working along side these men and being a witness to God’s great love in their lives. Brian, Mike and Casey – it was a joy to lead along side of you and your wives. Thank you for sharing the joy of your marriage with so many. To all you K-squad men – thank you for surprising me with your strength and compassion and unyielding servant hearts. I pray your sons and daughters may see God’s passion in you as I have.
Ryan Woodward
You’re going to be a daddy!! Ry and his wife are quite possibly my favorite people. In a few short weeks they will welcome the first baby to be born of each of our families to Christian parents. This baby (my nephew) will be strong and wise – much like his daddy, my big brother. I’m so proud of you, Ry. Continue to fall in love with the Father as He teaches you how be the dad you’re meant to be. Your life is beginning a new chapter and you’re ready for all that is in store!! Love you!!
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY, DAD!!!
Phil Woodward
I KNOW my dad loves me. I know. As I was driving the other day… as I drive I often think of my Dad ’cause working on my car is a way he shows me his love… I thought of Dad. 25 plus years he’s worked so hard to meet my every need. He’s allowed for God to work crazy in my life. I laugh because of him. I am strong because of him. I work hard because of him. I am honest and genuine because of him. I can flip my eyelids inside-out because of him. He’s sometimes a quiet man but every hug I get after every travel and move speaks volumes to my heart of a Daddy’s love. I love you, Dad.
But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir. (Galatians 4:4-7)
>>Blog readers, pray. Pray for this fatherless generation. Pray for your fathers. Pray for the spiritual fathers in your life. Pray for reconciliation of children and their fathers. Pray for healing and restoration in families. Pray that fathers can continue to learn how to be dads by growing in their own faith and strength. Pray for countries who, from disease or disaster or culture, are living without fathers or men in their communities. Thanks and amen.
