When I was 17 years old I worked at a grocery store. That day at the store seemed to be just like any other day. The sun blazed through the window as I swiped the food, cigarettes, dog food, and drinks. The job had become routine and I knew many people who visited.
I didn’t know that day I would receive a visit I would never forget. He was standing in my line watching me; I didn’t even realize it.
When it was his turn I looked up and before I could say a word he spoke, “Happy Valentine’s Day”, and handed me a card.
He stated: “I am your daddy. I am sorry I have not been there for you. But, I am here now.“
I stared in a gaze. It seemed as if time had stopped around me. Thoughts raced: “Who are you? I already have a daddy. Why are you giving me a card? Why are you here staring at me?”
I opened the card and there was money there. I looked up.
“Sir, I can not take your money.”
He spoke, “Please take it. I am sorry I was not there for you growing up. I used to watch you from a distance when you were a little girl. But, I am here for you now.”
I don’t really remember the rest of the conversation, but I do remember him smiling at me. He walked away; he walked with a limp.
After that meeting I was confused, hurt, loved. There where so many unanswered questions.
Now, 14 years later, some of those questions have been answered.
I learned a lot from meeting my biological father. One thing I have learned is that it is a blessing to forgive others and it is also a blessing to give and receive love.
When a girl or boy grows up without a father in the home there can be issues related to insecurity.
We sometimes think, am I not special enough for you to have stayed? Am I not special enough for you to have attended my games, purchased my book bag, or even to have taken me out for pizza on my birthday?
Over the years I’ve learned that God gives us love in different ways and through different people.
We may receive that love through our biological parents or God may send a special friend, a new family!
Ephesians 4:2 reads, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
Over the years I have had my struggles with understanding my relationship with my father, but I have also realized that humility, forgiveness, and love helps us to meet people where they are.
This in turn gives us the space to allow God to meet us where we are. God ultimately covers us, protects us, loves us, and gives us love on earth!
Be Encouraged Ya’ll,
Hope Writer: Argrow “Kit” Evans
NOTE: This is a repost of Kit’s article published in her blog Testimonies of Hope and was used with her permission.
Argrow Kitnequa “Kit” Evans has multiple degrees, traveled the world, and worked with several organizations.
She learned that these achievements are nothing if she wasn’t blessing other people. She founded “Testimonies of Hope: The Intercultural Christian Devotional Website” to highlight how people attained hope in Jesus Christ despite the bad experiences they went through.
Kit says: “Over the last 17 years I have watched, studied, and served; learning that violence can be prevented and healing from trauma is a journey, but possible.“
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