The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him (Proverbs 20:7).
Dad
A little over two years ago, my father passed away at the age of 90. If anyone was ever ready to go to Heaven, it was Dad. For years he was fairly consumed with looking for the Lord to come get him “in the air.”
Although a layman, he was a great student of the Bible. While in his 80’s, he wrote and published a book entitled “The Unveiling: How the Symbols of Prophecy Reveal What Happens in the Last Days.”
Dad loved God and is the primary reason I am a believer today. He had a steadfast dedication to the word of God and serving Him. Recently this inscription was discovered in one of his books: “Frank, there are no words to express our gratitude for your care and concern. You are the finest example of a true servant of the Lord that I have ever personally known.”
As part of “the greatest generation,” I am also very proud of his service during World War II. I miss him. He was a great man of God.
Uncle and Cousins
Dad’s brother’s spiritual strength was also notable. My grandmother single handedly raised godly sons along with their two Christian sisters. My uncle’s sons still participate in the ministry of their church: one as a Bible study teacher and the other as part of a gospel quartet.
Brothers and Father-in-Law
Through marriage, my sister gave me one of the kindest men I have ever known as a brother. He is a believer and an active church member. My husband provided me with three more brothers who have given themselves to serving God. All four of these men have been what brothers should be: supportive, encouraging, and light hearted teasers. And I couldn’t ask for a better father-in-law. His sons followed in his footsteps in their allegiance to the Lord. He is still faithfully serving God. Like Dad, he is also part of the “greatest generation,” having served our country in WW II and beyond.
Sons
My two sons are all I had ever hoped they would be, incredible men of faith who are loving, strong husbands of Christian women. Along with their wives, they are raising three boys in a Christ-like environment. I count myself blessed to be their mother. They are already seeing the fruit of their commitment to Christ, as one grandson recently invited Christ into his heart and the other two, I am sure, are close behind as they are faithfully taught to love God, His word and His church.
Husband
And then there is my husband. The things I have learned from him are too numerous to mention. Dad led me to faith in Christ, but my husband continues to help me grow as a Christian. Through the years, I have watched his loyalty to Christ grow stronger and stronger. He is the best preacher I know and loves God unreservedly. I believe his priorities are His Lord, his family and bearing fruit for Christ. It is an honor to be his partner.
These men are not perfect. None of us are. However, as I travel and hear others tell their family stories, I believe I have a rare blessing in being able to truly say I am surrounded by men of faith in my family. I thank God for such a special gift and their influence on my life.
Children’s children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children is their father (Proverbs 17:6). This reflection started with my Dad. However, his relationship with his own father was fairly non-existent, tainted with the fact that his dad was an alcoholic. In a day when divorce had a great stigma, his mother went through that painful process in order to provide a godly environment for her two sons and two daughters. My grandmother raised her children by herself, just as many women do today. God richly blessed her for her devotedness to that task.
I share this “reflective focus” about my family because bad patterns can be broken and new godly patterns can be established. The Bible gives many examples of the value of positive influence of fathers. Today’s society does not make it easy, but the perseverance of a man of faith does bring forth fruit.
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful, but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper (Psalms 1:1-3).
© Stephanie B. Blake
Scriptures are taken from the NKJV (Dad’s favorite!)
One Focus Ministries 