The Love of a Father

In June, we celebrate Father's Day! For the early part of my life, I never thought about this day and did not celebrate what it represents. My father died when I was two years old, and my grandfathers had died before I was born. So being fatherless was all I knew. Because I was so young when he died, it felt like he never even existed. But of course, he did.

Recently I visited my father's grave for the first time. His grave is in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, which is on the opposite side of the state for me. Why did it take so long? I didn't know the cemetery's name where he was buried. My mother seldom spoke about him as a child, and I never questioned her.

Why now? Currently, I am taking a mentoring class that we plan to implement across our network. One of the assignments is preparing a Story Map of your life to see God's faithfulness woven throughout the good and bad times. The time had come to connect the dots. I was going to find my father's grave.

I reached out to two of my cousins to see if they knew anything about my father. One suggested the Greensburg Catholic Cemetery may be where he was. I wasn't sure of the exact birth or death date, but thankfully, they were correct! The puzzle was coming together. I called the cemetery and found out that Gilbert Paul Staley, my father, is buried in Section J.

A short time later, God opened the door for my husband and me to travel in that direction for a weekend of ministry. We planned to spend Friday night and early Saturday morning in Greensburg, so I could locate and visit his grave and then head to our destination.

We met my cousin for dinner on Friday at Rizzo's, an excellent Italian Restaurant, and then right before dusk, we headed to the cemetery, hoping to locate Section J. The three of us began to walk in different directions looking for his gravestone. After a few moments, my husband shouted, "I found your father!" At that moment, I could feel my past connect to my present. It was getting dark, so after a few moments, we left and planned to go back in the morning.

The following day, Steve gave me some time to process the moment. I quietly sat down next to his flat military gravestone, laying my hand on the grave. My eyes filled with tears, tears of what I may have missed not having an earthly father, but even more, tears of thankfulness for life he gave me. My reaction surprised me. Without him, I would not be here on earth for this season. I have his DNA and identity with him. He did exist.

There is another father I identify with. My identity with him has changed my ETERNAL life.

As a young teenager, I was adopted into His family. Maybe you have been too.

“And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:18 ESV

He promised He would never leave me.

“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:8 (NLT)

He said he would love me like a father loves a daughter.

"Father to the fatherless, defender of widows—this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families." Psalm 68:5-6

He promised to meet all my needs.

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus”. Philippians 4:19

When I am afraid, He is there to calm my fears.

“But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.” Psalm 56:3

When I need discipline, he lovingly corrects me.

“For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.” Proverbs 3:12 NLT

When I need guidance and wisdom, He helps me.

“I will guide you in the way of wisdom, and I will lead you on upright paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered, and when you run, you will not stumble.” Proverbs 4:11-12

"I love the song, Goodness of God, written by Jen Johnson. I can't sing it without celebrating God's goodness in my life. A portion of the lyrics says,

“I love Your voice

You have led me through the fire

In the darkest night

You are close like no other

I've known You as a Father

I've known You as a Friend

And I have lived in the goodness of God

All my life, you have been faithful

All my life, you have been a so, so good

With every breath that I am able

I will sing of the goodness of God.”

The God I serve has loved me like a father. The good news - He feels the same way about you!

As Elizabeth Elliot said, "I have given him countless reasons not to love me – none of them have changed his mind."

I am grateful for my life!

Liz