GETTING MAD AT DAD - Father's Day

Did you know, when you’re a teen you are supposed to get mad at Dad every once in the while? I didn't say disrespectful—I used another word for angry—mad. When you and Dad fight, you are polishing your independence on a trusted ally. Try listening. He may be right.

It is written: Exodus 20:12 "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you." (NIV©2011) To honor your father is to respect him and not do something that would embarrass the family. Adam Shoemaker, in Escape from the Belfry, believed his father had destroyed the family name. It was up to him to earn back the family honor.

What if your father doesn't respect you? Learn from his mistakes and remember, when you live your life in a way that honors him, YOU will live long in the place God gives you. Wow, in the long run, you win! When you forgive your father, YOU benefit. Let's pray:

"Father God, sometimes I get mad at my dad. Thank you for giving me a dad who loves me in spite of how many times I get angry with him. Let me grow up so I can respect my father in spite of his shortcomings. When I love and respect my dad, I am showing my love for you. In the name of Jesus, your son, I pray. Amen"

Doris

"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."
Copyright 2013 Doris Gaines Rapp

MOST DADS ARE TRIPLE G

There are all kinds of dads. I know yours is probably great, gone, or a groaner. You love him or you would like to love him. Either way, he’s still dad. 

Great! Many dads are the best ever! They play catch in the yard and show up at every game. When there’s a problem, they sit and talk it out with patience and love. Great dads also never let you get by with anything. He helps you grow in character by giving you the chance to be responsible: to yourself, your family and the community. If you pick flowers from a neighbor’s yard, you take them back. If you drive through that yard many years later, Dad’s chest swells with pride as you replant the turf. What a Great dad! 

Gone! Some dads are gone. They are in the military and are deployed for long periods of time. In Escape from the Belfry, Adam’s dad never came home after the war and Adam felt humiliated. Other dads have work that takes them out of town a lot and they aren’t there for your ball game or special program. Some dads are no longer in the house due to separation or divorce. You miss him and may even blame him for his absence. He isn’t gone because of you. The problems are between the adults – your parents. You will always have a dad. Dads and kids don’t get a divorce. 

Groaner! Some dads are silly. Between you and me, they can be embarrassing sometimes. They love to tell jokes that aren’t funny or give away secrets you wish had not been revealed. A few dads swear at people and become angry over the tiniest little thing. They make a fool of themselves and you. Just step a few feet away, enjoy the view from your corner of the world and let him do his kaboody dance, over there, by himself. His anger isn’t about you. It’s about him. 

There is another dad, ABBA— Daddy, Father God, who loves you more than life itself. Find a man of God: a pastor, an uncle, or a mentor who can help you grow in the Lord. You will have a dad who is the greatest, never gone, and not a groaner. He will never embarrass you. He will only make fools of those who don’t want to know him. Let us pray: 

“Father, Abba, I come to you today to invite you into my life completely. Father’s Day and the days that follow, will always be a reminder of the new father I have claimed because you claimed me first. Forgive me for being mad at my dad. Flood his heart with your love so that only you shine forth. May the best of all you have come to my dad. Thank you for calling me your child. In the name of Jesus, your son, I pray. Amen”

Doris

"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."
Copyright 2013 Doris Gaines Rapp