Good. Bad. Loving. Harsh. Close. Distant.
What meaning do you attach to the word Father?
This week, millions of cards will be sent to dads all over the word with cookie cut lyrics and rhythmic poetry. Only one thing will be required of the sender---a signature. No note, no heartfelt emotions, just a signature.
So what you might ask, that’s the best way to deal with a dad you might have had a sub-par relationship with isn’t it? Maybe, but this Father’s Day you have a chance to do something different; something that might bring healing to the dry and empty places in your own soul. Get naked.
You heard it. Get naked. That means if you want to change the relationship dance with your dad, you have to be willing to do something different. That starts with getting real with dad---even if it hurts. Even if you feel stripped naked.
What does that look like? How can we actually get naked? Here a few ways:
- Be willing to confront
- Be willing to be vulnerable
- Be willing to forgive
- Be willing to love in spite of your hurt
- Be willing to draw necessary boundaries
- Be willing to be stripped bare of all pretense and be responsive to how God may be leading you in your relationship with your father
Forgiveness is required of us. It's for our benefit. There are no shortcuts. But by unloading the sack of rocks you’ve been carrying on your back for the last umpteen years, you will feel the freedom of walking unclothed or un-caged as my friend Mary DeMuth says.
Your problem isn’t that your unloved (by dad), your problem is you aren’t appropriating the love that’s already yours (in Christ).
Consider this:
Even if your earthly father fell short, even if you’ve walked around for years feeling unlovable or not good enough, the truth is:
You are perfectly loved, perfectly adequate, perfectly secure and perfectly accepted by your Heavenly Father.
So whatever this Fathers day brings for you, take time to focus on your real dad. The one who was laid bare and stripped naked for you. His love never fails.