Monthly Masterpiece: A Father’s Day Essay

Everyone has a story to tell.

Whether you diaper bottoms all day and look after little people, or you’ve been delivered from some pretty deep muck and discovered that there’s more to life than pit dwelling.

If you know Jesus, then…

You. Have. A. Story.

I realized a long time ago that I have a story. It’s a story about a mess, and how God took what I had wrecked and ruined and made it His masterpiece.

My pit dwelling days are under the blood, but the devil wasn’t through with me by a long shot.  What if someone knew about my mess?  I began to worry what others might think, and the fear of man (or woman in my case) became a snare.  That’s when I learned that if the devil can’t keep us in chains with sin, he’ll hold us hostage with our fears and silence.

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
Revelation 12:11

Our stories are meant to be told, because words bear witness to the Word, and the power He has to deliver, forgive, heal and redeem. Stories are our offering to God and the people around us, when we’re flat out and forgetful about what they might think long enough to give them a glimpse of the Master and the work that He does when we’re surrendered to Him.

I have a story, and God said to TELL IT, because someone out there needs to hear it. That someone might be you.

My sweet friend… You have a story, too, and God meant for you to tell it it as well.

Go ahead. Be brave. Share it here.

Each month I’ll feature a story simply titled Monthly Masterpiece. They will be stories from ordinary people like you and me. Ordinary people who’ve encountered an extraordinary God.  You can submit them to me by email, or deliver them in person.  Yes, in person.  Then I can give you a squeeze for your courage, and letting faith conquer your fear.

Oh, and by the way, I do have a rule. That’s right. There’s only one.

Your story doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be real.

_______________________________________

I know Matthews story. After all, His mom and I have been best friends since we birthed our daughters, Bella and Emma, on the same day as strangers back in 2005.  Who but the Lord would have known what was in store for our families, or the deep and abiding love we would discover for God, and one another, through sharing our stories.

Matthew has a story, too, and he’s sharing it here, as my first Monthly Masterpiece. I read his essay through tears just a few weeks after his dad left his family; his mother, older brother, and that sweet little girl who is birthday twin to mine.

Matthews essay was an assignment for school, given just a few days after his father left. In light of the trial his family was facing at the time, Matthews mother offered to speak to his teacher and ask for a different topic.

Matthew refused.

This is the story he was compelled to tell, simply titled:

Fathers Day Essay

My dad is a dad that you can’t see, which I know is a little weird because most of you can see your dad.

Right now, I can’t see mine.

You are probably wondering if my dad is dead. The truth is, He’s not, and He never will be since He’s eternal. My dad is also a miracle worker. In fact, you are one of them, all of you.

I hope by now you have figured out that I am talking about my dad who is my father, God.

I came to know God the Father when I was in Kindergarten, at about 5 or 6 years old. At the time, I was a little kid whose heart was broken by his father. Then, when I was in 4th grade, my relationship with God became more personal because of more problems and challenges with my earthly father. I realized during that time that no one would ever love me more than Him. Through all of our struggles and pain, God has been faithful and still is to this day. From surprise gifts to answered prayers and seeing His Word come alive, His love never fails, it never gives up, it never runs out on me.

Although some will say that they have a relationship with God, I wonder if they know Him like I do? To this day, we are still having problems with my earthly father, but my heavenly Father gives me the strength to forgive and He also gives me peace of mind. He loves me when my dad can’t. When I look around at other kids who have struggles in their lives, I see them cutting themselves, not eating, and just abusing their bodies, physically and mentally. With God as my Father, I have a hope that others cannot see. I can choose to live for the sin of the flesh or listen to the voice of my Heavenly Father, because with Him, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).

__________________________________________

Matthew is an advancing 7th grader at Redeemer Classical Christian School. He has received the Joshua Award for Godly Leadership 3 years in a row. He loves soccer, pizza, doodling, and playing with his cousins and friends.

Matthew loves his family. He’s a tender hearted young man who shares a special bond with his siblings, Michael and Bella. Inspired and encouraged by his mom and two very special teachers, Mrs. Chesser and Mrs. Fritz, Matthew possesses a child-like faith with a grown-up understanding of Gods faithfulness.