This weekend is so bittersweet for those of us who grew up without fathers.  The statistics are 40% of all children and 70+% of African-Americans grow up without a man in the house.  It creates a pain and longing that lasts a lifetime.

I still remember my grandmother taking me to a department store and flagging down a random store clerk in the mens section and asking him if he would teach me how to tie a tie.  Till this day I don’t know who that man was but even now, through my tears, I say, “Thank you.”

Actor and poet, Daniel Beaty, knows the pain well.  Every time I watch his poem, “Knock, Knock,” I can’t stop the tears from flowing.

On this Father’s Day weekend I want to recognize my True Father.  The scriptures say that God is “A father to the fatherless.” (Ps. 68.5) He has provided for me beyond belief.  I have never gone without.  God has been my friend, confidant and sustainer.  When I have wandered from the path set out for me, my Father in heaven (HALLOWED BE HIS NAME!) has gently disciplined me with grace and truth.

I want to shout it from the mountaintops that my God has been a great Dad!

If you need a father then hear his word today, “Here I am!  I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.”  (Rev. 3.20)