Living the Dash

Y’all, there’s just something about a good father.

The kind of presence that knows how to fix a leaky sink, calm a chaotic room, wrestle a stubborn lawnmower, or lighten a heavy moment with a perfectly timed joke.

My Dad has always been that man.
He’s got quiet wisdom that sneaks up on you, like a Sunday sermon that hits home. He’s more kind than most folks know what to do with, and a sense of humor that could make a grumpy possum smile. He’s the kind of man who gives without keeping score, helps without being asked, and prays for you even when you don’t know it.

I was raised in church – Sunday morning, Sunday night, Wednesday night, revival week kind of raised. And some of my favorite memories come from being right up there on that little stage with Dad. We’d stand side by side and sing “Victory in Jesus,” loud and proud. I didn’t know the words quite right, of course, so there I was, about six years old, belting out: “He PUNCHED me to victory!”

And bless him, Dad just kept singing and playing his guitar like nothing was wrong – grinning, probably trying not to laugh too loud.

But looking back, that moment says everything. My Dad never corrected me in a way that made me feel small. He let me be little, let me worship, and let me learn as I grew. He showed me, even then, that faith wasn’t about having it all together – it was about showing up with your whole heart.

More than anything, my Dad pointed me to Jesus – not with loud words or fancy speeches, but with his life. And as incredible as he is, he reflects someone even greater – our Heavenly Father.

God’s the One who never fumbles, never forgets our needs, and never runs out of grace (even when we act a hot mess). He’s the ultimate Father – loving, patient, all-knowing, and always present, even when life feels like it’s falling apart. God, our ultimate Father, carries every trait we admire in our earthly dads and then some. He never grows tired, never misunderstands, never fails to show up. He is the Father to the fatherless, the comforter to the hurting, and the gentle strength behind every step we take.

So today, I honor my Dad here on earth – and I thank my Father in Heaven. Because of both, I know what love looks like when it’s strong and steady, what leadership feels like when it’s full of grace, and what home means when it’s built on faith.

If you’re missing your Dad today, or if your heart carries more ache than celebration, know this: you are loved beyond measure by the Father who never leaves, never sleeps, and never stops showing up.

“The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.” – Psalm 103:13 (NLT)

May you feel the steady love of your Heavenly Father today – the kind that holds you when you’re weary, guides you when you’re lost, and rejoices over you just because you’re His.

And if you’ve been blessed with a good earthly Dad like I have, don’t let the day pass without letting him know just how much he means to you.

Here’s to the daddies who raised us right – and the Father who loves us perfectly.

Happy Father’s Day, y’all. 💛