If we don’t season our cultural analysis and introspection with some gratitude from time to time, we tend to get a little on the grumpy side. I know I do. With Father’s Day approaching, I’ve been thinking about my dad. What a guy he is!
Dad came from the humblest of beginnings. As a child he was exposed to poverty, hunger, abuse, alcoholism and more. Positive role models were scarce. Street fighting was a way of life in those days of bigotry and segregation. He was what we call today a gang-banger in the hood. Although schooling was not emphasized, an 8th grade education was all his parents had, Dad had street smarts and the precocious insight to understand that if he were ever to amount to anything he had to get out of that way of life. He enrolled in the army just after WWII. There he was selected to serve in an elite Special Forces unit.
After his honorable discharge, he briefly returned to the party lifestyle until a spiritual encounter set him on a forever changed course. This once poor street kid married the church pianist, enrolled in a Bible college, completed theological training, became a very successful pastor for 16 years, before going on to serve as a denominational leader and administrator. All this, while raising 4 exuberant kids. He has spoken to audiences all over the United States in a style that is next to none. He is a consummate story teller. He has also served on boards and committees that have involved him internationally with high government officials.
He retired briefly before accepting the call to full time chaplaincy at a large retirement complex. Although he hits 78 next month, he preaches several times a week, makes hospital calls, conducts funerals, counsels, attends strategy meetings AND is writing what I think will be a great book. We recently moved 4 doors down from him and mom in the same townhome complex. He is fully engaged in life and world affairs about which we have frequent stimulating conversations. He is a man of deep thought and prayer. He is my friend, my mentor, my hero, a gentleman through and through, and I’m so glad he is my dad. Happy Father’s Day!
