Word for the day “Happy Father’s Day message”
I Corinthians 4:15 (NKJV) For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus, I have begotten you through the gospel. 16 Therefore I urge you, imitate me.
Today’s tribute: James Baker, Jr.:
In recent days, I reflected upon what was going on with me, and why was I an affectionate man. I realized that it’s difficult to be what you don’t see and difficult to give what you didn’t have. And, in my case, I did see and experience affection from my late dad James Baker, Sr., and so it was easier for me to give it to my own daughter Ashley once she was born. In fact, my beloved late Mom Shirley Baker was even more affectionate than Dad, so it was so much easier for me to pass on at least a loving legacy to my daughter that I had inherited from both my parents.
But I do realize since my time in Ministry service that all children don’t have what I grew up having and they do deserve it! Second, I am convinced that children have a “hole in their soul” in the shape of their dads, and if fathers are unable or unwilling to connect with them physically, emotionally, and spiritually, it can leave a wound that is not easily healed. I have since discovered that many Dad’s have affection issues as a result of unhealed wounds from years of feeling neglected and less than worthy.
Over the years, many Dad’s have learned to stuff these feelings away as if they didn’t matter, but they clearly do. What kind of Dad are you? Or what kind of Dad did you grow up with? Interestingly, it was the act of truly embracing my role as a father that helped heal me because it required me to love my daughter Ashley and myself. It became clear that I couldn’t really love my child and daughter – the way that God wanted and needed me to unless I did some “work” on myself. (I don’t know who I am talking to today)
I’m genuinely grateful for having the affection expressed in my life early on, and just wanted to encourage some fathers to get to work. Our children are depending on us to do the work. In reflecting, I noticed an interesting thing happened when I hugged and kissed my daughter. She hugged and kissed me back, even when I didn’t expect her to. It was as if she needed to give affection as much as she needed to receive it.
And, as a child, so did I. And how about you? Yes, Dad, we have to connect with our children in an intimate way.
Point to ponder
The importance of fatherhood is more than I can write, and I have met other wounded souls, adults, and children, who long for the special love and affection that only good fathers, can give. Yes, I am blessed with their burden. Nevertheless, Happy Father’s Day Kingdom Men of God!
A special salute to the “Fathers” who are no longer with us, and of course to those fathers who have done, are doing, an amazing job we honor and celebrate you this Father’s Day 2022.
Special thanks!
James Baker, Jr. and our leadership team are especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in the month of June 2022, by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Ms. Annette Straker, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Ms. Itholear Abbott, Mrs. Barbara Mason, Ms. Jeanette Grant, Ms. Angela Battle, Ms. Cynthia Artis-Waiters, Ms. Michelle Winder Branch, Ms. Angie Scraders-Murphy, Mr. Calvin Jackson, Mrs. Shakeema Lowe, Ms. Rita McGuffin, Mr. Calvin Griffith, Mrs. Angela Harrison, Ms. Shawna Chester, Ms. Jennifer Sanchez, Ms. Evelyn Rosado, and Ms. Gertrude Scott.
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Kingdom Blessings,