“Go, HB!”
“Run fast, HB!”
“HB, put your arms up!”
Growing up, I heard these phrases so often from Dad’s mouth during basketball practice and games.
Dad would say, “Go, HB!” when I scored points or when I blocked shots.
Dad would say, “Run fast, HB!” when there was a loose ball on the court or when I was on a fast break.
Dad would say, “HB, put your arms up!” when I was defending an opponent or when the rebound was coming off the glass.
At any given moment, I can hear Dad enthusiastically say these phrases in my head. These phrases never tore me down, instead, they encouraged and guided me. When I heard these phrases I always knew somewhere Dad’s arms were straight up in the air, fists balled up, rooting for his Smiling Flower. He loved watching me play a sport that he loved, and I loved being coached by him.
As I got older, Dad continued to say the same phrases, but they were applied to my faith. When he said, “Go, HB!” it was to give me strength to push forward as I pressed into growing my relationship with Christ and leaving on my first mission trip.
When he said, “Run fast, HB!” he was telling me to chase my dreams as I started a campus ministry at UAB (RANSOM).
And when he said, “HB, put your arms up!” he was encouraging me to fully embrace God’s presence as I stood at church in worship fighting to surrender everything to Christ.
Dad, I don’t think you realize the power these phrases have had on my life. In fact, I know you don’t. You weren’t there when I said, “Yes” to RANSOM nor were you there when I gave Christ my all. You didn’t know that your voice passed through my head as decisions were made for the advancement of the Kingdom. I have carried these phrases with me throughout my life and have loved pressing ‘play’ in my head as I hear you speak them.
You have instilled morals and values in me that I never want to lose. You have shown me how to be the hands and feet of Jesus by the way that you serve friends and strangers. You have shown me how to respect leadership and authority by the way you were a children’s pastor at church. Dad, you have shown me what to look for in a man by the ways that you treat Mom like a queen. You have taught me to never settle – whether that be in relationships, dreams, or cars (haha).
You never quit on me in basketball when I complained of sweating too much, or in tennis when I would goof around and not take it serious. You continued to encourage and your constant positive attitude is something that I strive for.
I know that I can speak for K.C. and John when I say that you have provided for us and loved us so well. I’m sure there were times when you wanted to smack K.C., John or me for being dumb and arrogant, but you chose to show us Jesus Christ as you loved us through annoying, teenage, hormones. You knew that yelling at us would only push us away from you, and you wanted to always be there for us. Though you were me, K.C., and John’s first coach, you were “Dad” first. I can’t thank you enough for that.
I love you so much, Dad. I’m excited for Top Golf dates and Chick-fil-A breakfasts with you when I get back. You make me so proud to be the daughter of Ken Whitaker. I am so thankful to call you mine everyday of the year, not just on Father’s Day. So, Happy Father’s Day, Dad. See ya soon. XOXO
