Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
~2 Corinthians 1:3-4 ESV
My biological father left my family when I was four years old. At first, I was perplexed. It was years later that I felt the emotions of abandonment and feeling that I wasn't enough for him to stick around. (I don't know the exact details why so please don't ask.) Therefore, he rather be a father from a distance. Why did he leave me? Why wasn't I enough? What was wrong with me? Am I so unlovable?
Growing up I saw my female peers with their fathers and strangers with their fathers, I did feel some jealousy. My heavenly Father didn't leave me at all. In Psalm 68:5, God is the "Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation." He was always there from the moment I was conceived. He provided me some good male role models growing up. I was so lucky that no man harmed me when I was most vulnerable. Above all else, God sent my grandparents to live in America. My Gong Gong (maternal grandpa) looked after me and my younger brother. He was kind of like a father figure at moments. However, he was always my grandpa.
It took me years to heal from losing my biological father in my life but it was through God's love and acceptance that helped me. My Gong Gong was there to show me that he loved me. He shared his faith with me. Because of his involvement in my life, I was open to learn about God and at a young age I believed in God. I was a young kid when I accepted Jesus Christ in my heart. Upon reflection, I also realized that my earthy father had flaws. I knew he loved me but he wanted to do it from a safe distance from me. Perhaps he wasn't able to stay and God permit my biological father to leave. If he stayed, he might have dragged my family to whatever issues he may had. His struggles may have poison my young faith in God. Since I don't know the whole picture and speculating on why won't really help me, I learn to forgive and move on. I know that Jesus rescue me so I can have a relationship with my heavenly Father.
Growing up I saw my female peers with their fathers and strangers with their fathers, I did feel some jealousy. My heavenly Father didn't leave me at all. In Psalm 68:5, God is the "Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation." He was always there from the moment I was conceived. He provided me some good male role models growing up. I was so lucky that no man harmed me when I was most vulnerable. Above all else, God sent my grandparents to live in America. My Gong Gong (maternal grandpa) looked after me and my younger brother. He was kind of like a father figure at moments. However, he was always my grandpa.
It took me years to heal from losing my biological father in my life but it was through God's love and acceptance that helped me. My Gong Gong was there to show me that he loved me. He shared his faith with me. Because of his involvement in my life, I was open to learn about God and at a young age I believed in God. I was a young kid when I accepted Jesus Christ in my heart. Upon reflection, I also realized that my earthy father had flaws. I knew he loved me but he wanted to do it from a safe distance from me. Perhaps he wasn't able to stay and God permit my biological father to leave. If he stayed, he might have dragged my family to whatever issues he may had. His struggles may have poison my young faith in God. Since I don't know the whole picture and speculating on why won't really help me, I learn to forgive and move on. I know that Jesus rescue me so I can have a relationship with my heavenly Father.
Today it's Father's Day. What a tough time for some of us who has lost fathers or abandoned by them or been abused by them.I'm thankful for my Gong Gong. He past nearly four years ago. I know he is in heaven with God. But I still miss him. Since he past away, Father's Day has been difficult. Though I do go to my grandparents' church on those times. It's nice to worship with my Gong Gong's church family. Today, Reverend Dennis Yeung gave a powerful message about leaning on The Father. "Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock" (Isaiah 26:4).
I hope this blog give you encouragement that you're not alone. I don't know your story. God does. Our heavenly Father is always there for you. Forgive your earthy fathers for they are flawed and sinful people. Don't carry the hate, anger and bitterness in your heart for it will poison you and hold you captive. This type of negativity and baggage really prevent you from having healthy relationships in your life. Please let it all go. Lean on God. For he promised this: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10). Look around and see what good men who was there that provided positive male role models or even a father figure to you.
Or if you're married and your husband may have some flaws like your father, pray for him. If you're in an abusive relationship or if he's abusing your children, please leave him and take your kids with you. I hope you find courage to leave but you may need God to help you with that and shelter with kind people to help you. Or if you're a man, be the best father you can for your own children or future children. Or if you're a woman dating a man, make sure he has the qualities that will make him a good father.
In conclusion, our heavenly Father cares for you and love you deeply. Here is a hymn that helps remind me how awesome God the Father is and what he did so we can have a relationship:
I hope this blog give you encouragement that you're not alone. I don't know your story. God does. Our heavenly Father is always there for you. Forgive your earthy fathers for they are flawed and sinful people. Don't carry the hate, anger and bitterness in your heart for it will poison you and hold you captive. This type of negativity and baggage really prevent you from having healthy relationships in your life. Please let it all go. Lean on God. For he promised this: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10). Look around and see what good men who was there that provided positive male role models or even a father figure to you.
Or if you're married and your husband may have some flaws like your father, pray for him. If you're in an abusive relationship or if he's abusing your children, please leave him and take your kids with you. I hope you find courage to leave but you may need God to help you with that and shelter with kind people to help you. Or if you're a man, be the best father you can for your own children or future children. Or if you're a woman dating a man, make sure he has the qualities that will make him a good father.
In conclusion, our heavenly Father cares for you and love you deeply. Here is a hymn that helps remind me how awesome God the Father is and what he did so we can have a relationship: