Finishing Strong...

More about my dad...

My dad holding Terri, my mom, my Grandma holding me.

      My dad married my mom when she was just 17 years old. He was 20. After my dad came home from serving in the Korean War, my oldest sister was born. Within 7 years, they had four daughters. My mom and dad grew up differently. While my mom grew up going to church, my dad only went sometimes with a neighbor. When we were young, my dad began to drink heavily and would often frequent the bars. Bringing up his children in church in those days was not important to my dad. However, my mom would get up every Sunday, dress all 4 of her girls, and take us to church. I believe this began to weigh heavily upon my dad’s heart. My dad had come to know Jesus Christ at a younger age, but some of those generational bondages had taken a hold of my dad by the time his family arrived.

My dad's lovely bride.



      I love hearing my dad’s story…I’ve heard it many times. One day, conviction captivated my dad’s heart as he began to see that he was destroying his family. He had one of two choices: 1) to continue down this destructive road; or 2) to get his life together and make some better choices. He chose the latter, and for that I am so grateful. My dad finally made a conscious decision to visit a pastor; and there is in his office, he surrendered his heart and life to Christ. This began a brand new journey for my dad and his family. We then began going to church together as a family. I’m certain that it was this life choice that saved my parents’ marriage and helped them to stay together for 59 years.

      Today, at 79 years old (almost 80), my dad is coming to the end of his life. He is preparing to meet Jesus face to face; the ONE he has loved since that day in that pastor’s office. Thinking of my dad crossing the finish line, I am reminded of what Paul said: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness” (2 Tim. 4:7-8). This is called, finishing strong.  I believe that finishing strong is possible for all believers, but not everyone chooses God’s pathway. Finishing strong is not about what we have done in the past, but it’s about putting the past behind us and moving forward with God in the lead. It’s about “keeping the faith” as Paul said. It’s about loving Jesus no matter what the circumstances. It’s about not just hearing the Word of God, but doing what it says. Finishing strong is about loving others and leading by example, not just words.

My dad and his great-grandkids

 

      My dad wasn’t perfect, but he was a good and faithful man. At the end of every road of life, we will all meet God, whether we believed in His Son or not. Whether they are for Him or not, everyone will meet God. Some will not know Him because they had no room for Him in their lives while on the earth, or they chose to reject Him. Others will hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” I believe my dad will hear those words. This is called, finishing strong. Paul said that we should “run in such a way as to get the prize” (I Corinthians 9:24). What a blessing to have this legacy passed on to me.