She loves playing with her daddy! Happy Father’s Day Sweetie!

Bill, you are truly one of the greatest men I have ever known. Not only have you made sacrifices to put her first, but you don’t ever whine, complain or think twice about the responsibilities you carry on her behalf. You have felt the weight of the world upon your back, and yet you never wavered when it came to being a daddy. Most people don’t know your story, but I do. You are a remarkable father and loving man. On behalf of a 4 year old who can’t fully express herself, let me say thank you for all of the sleepless nights, diapers changed, bedtime stories, lessons  learned, hugs shared, attention given, and  boundless love.  I am certain God knew what He was doing when He paired her with you. You have blessed her and she has blessed you, and I am so thankful to know and love you both.

Happy Father’s Day, you’ve earned it.

In so many ways, I’d love to wish my experiences upon you, so that you could see what I see, hear what I hear, understand the way my little brain interprets life, and know deep within your soul that your Creator took the time to form you.

Although, it is apparent that no matter how extraordinary, frightening, moving, incredible, or horrific the pieces of our lives may be, we can’t fully rely the same experience upon each other by simply recounting our own stories. We have to get our own hands dirty to realize when we need to wash them just as we have to suffer through the virus to become immune to it later. I have found that I cannot understand the complexity of the experiences of others, without the ability to personally relate to their sense of humanity. Therefore, I cannot expect you or anyone else to “just believe me.” For the first time, I think I understand why Jesus taught in parables*, like no one before Him.

I will continue to pray for those who persecute my freedom, those who persecute my happiness, and those who persecute my soul. As believers we are to let the light of the LORD shine unto others through our actions, that they may see the goodness within us.

“In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in darkness, and the darkness can never put it out,” -John 1:4-5

There is Hope for all of us, and it is through the light of the LORD. May all of His children be strengthened in their Faith and blessed with the humility to continue to live in accordance to His desire; Through our lives and actions, may His light be seen by all– especially those who persecute us.

Not one of us is perfect; Let us not fall into judging one another for our imperfections, rather in love and in the peace of the spirit, let us continue to pray as Matthew wrote for those who persecute us.

3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.