Ever Present

Aqualyn Toi Jones

Every day in America 4,184 babies are born to unmarried mothers (State of America’s Children 2008 Report). Of that number over 1,000 of them are born to teenage moms. Today, over 40% of our children grow up in a home without a father.

My heart goes out to children who grow up without fathers in the home. I’m the quintessential “Daddy’s Girl.” I can’t think of a time when my father wasn’t physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially present in my life. From Thanksgiving Day parades to teaching me to ride a bike and drive. In moments of despair and moments of celebration. He has always been there. Just like another father I know.

Thankfully, we all have a Father in God on whom we can depend. One who promises to never leave or forsake us. One who knows everything about us and yet, still loves us the same.

It’s somewhat easy for me to believe that Father God is concerned about me – that He has plans for my life. I’ve had a biological father who is a great example of that. I can believe that God loves me because I believe that my father loves me. I believe that Father God accepts me as I am because my Dad continues to do that in my adulthood.

Whether we realize it or not, we often transfer our beliefs, disappointments, and thoughts about our biological fathers onto our Heavenly Father. It’s hard to believe that Father God is for me when I didn’t feel that my father was for me. It’s hard to see God as trustworthy when I wasn’t able to trust in my earthly father. If my concept of fathers has been damaged or unstable, my relationship with God will reflect some of that uncertainty.

Fathers have to be ever-present. Children never outgrow the love, affection, and discipline that fathers provide. Regardless of our age, we find peace in knowing that our fathers are still present. Long after we’ve moved out on our own. Long after we’ve obtained a job and can afford to take care of ourselves. We still need you. We always have and we always will.

Let us first question what it is we feel in our hearts towards our fathers. Then, let’s not be afraid to admit what we find there. And if we find some damage and broken areas, let’s take the steps that are necessary to heal. Then, let us ask that same question in regards to our Father God?

What we find there may surprise us but there is nothing too hard for God.