I've been contemplating a post like this for awhile. Because it's not about me, it's about someone I can't imagine life without.
And it's because I can't imagine life without him, that I feel the need to write this.
My Dad is my hero. He really is. He has literally saved our family from the eternity we were headed towards...and shifted us to the one we were meant for. He is the head of our household, a true leader.
I don't say this lightly, or mean it to be as cliche as it sounds. I did not always feel this way about him. Our family has had some intense struggles...of which I thought I would see the end of both my parents' lives before anything might change for all of us.
We almost lost my Dad three times in three years. One such time the doctors told us they were surprised he survived the car ride to the hospital, and each time he went, they gave him a warning that if he continued his habits...he was signing his own death certificate.
It was not until he was diagnosed with Type II diabetes, and accepted an invitation to church from a good friend, that he was delivered from his struggles.
Delivered. Completely.
It was because of his deliverance and salvation in September 2009 that my Mother was saved in December of that same year.
I have seen miracles happen right before me.
My parents' sudden change to get right with God, and my Mother's decision to quit smoking just two months later has been amazing. More than I could have ever hoped for. More than I ever did hope for.
I KNOW that God is greater than anything that stands before us. Any struggles we may have.
So I have a favor to ask of you.
My Dad still struggles with his addiction to cigarettes. This is just one thing the Devil has made sure to keep roped around him...one thing that my Dad just hasn't been able to let go of. We need that rope shredded to pieces, and God's arms to replace it.
He has made a promise to quit smoking by the time this baby is born...so time is running out. My Dad needs serious prayer warriors to help him in this fight. And although he wouldn't ask this for himself, I am asking for him...would you please pray that he be delivered completely from the urge to pick up a cigarette? Would you pray that this one last thing not be a struggle?
My Dad is 47 years old. He has defied the odds and looked death in the face more times than we can count. He is finally fully here with our family, and I want it to stay that way. I want my Father to see my daughter walk down the aisle, and eventually have children of her own.
God changed my Dad to bring our entire family closer to Him. My Dad's humor, his encouragement, his love...are all things I just cannot live without.
One day we'll have to say goodbye, that I know for sure. But I pray that it's not anytime in the near future, and that when he leaves us, it will not be because of this 30-year habit. That's all it is, is a habit.
He does not need a patch, an e-cigarette, or gum (believe me, he's tried those). He needs the spirit of the Lord to completely fill his soul and convince him that it's just not worth missing out on time with his family. He needs the confidence to walk away from the convenience store and not pick up a pack of cigarettes.
He needs our prayers. So if you would please carve out just a few seconds every day for the next 10 days to pray for my Dad, I will be forever grateful.
I post this in love Dad, because I want you here for a very long time. I'm asking for you to not leave your mini-me alone with the rest of these goofy people just yet ;-)
And it's because I can't imagine life without him, that I feel the need to write this.
My Dad is my hero. He really is. He has literally saved our family from the eternity we were headed towards...and shifted us to the one we were meant for. He is the head of our household, a true leader.
I don't say this lightly, or mean it to be as cliche as it sounds. I did not always feel this way about him. Our family has had some intense struggles...of which I thought I would see the end of both my parents' lives before anything might change for all of us.
We almost lost my Dad three times in three years. One such time the doctors told us they were surprised he survived the car ride to the hospital, and each time he went, they gave him a warning that if he continued his habits...he was signing his own death certificate.
It was not until he was diagnosed with Type II diabetes, and accepted an invitation to church from a good friend, that he was delivered from his struggles.
Delivered. Completely.
It was because of his deliverance and salvation in September 2009 that my Mother was saved in December of that same year.
I have seen miracles happen right before me.
My parents' sudden change to get right with God, and my Mother's decision to quit smoking just two months later has been amazing. More than I could have ever hoped for. More than I ever did hope for.
I KNOW that God is greater than anything that stands before us. Any struggles we may have.
So I have a favor to ask of you.
My Dad still struggles with his addiction to cigarettes. This is just one thing the Devil has made sure to keep roped around him...one thing that my Dad just hasn't been able to let go of. We need that rope shredded to pieces, and God's arms to replace it.
He has made a promise to quit smoking by the time this baby is born...so time is running out. My Dad needs serious prayer warriors to help him in this fight. And although he wouldn't ask this for himself, I am asking for him...would you please pray that he be delivered completely from the urge to pick up a cigarette? Would you pray that this one last thing not be a struggle?
My Dad is 47 years old. He has defied the odds and looked death in the face more times than we can count. He is finally fully here with our family, and I want it to stay that way. I want my Father to see my daughter walk down the aisle, and eventually have children of her own.
God changed my Dad to bring our entire family closer to Him. My Dad's humor, his encouragement, his love...are all things I just cannot live without.
One day we'll have to say goodbye, that I know for sure. But I pray that it's not anytime in the near future, and that when he leaves us, it will not be because of this 30-year habit. That's all it is, is a habit.
He does not need a patch, an e-cigarette, or gum (believe me, he's tried those). He needs the spirit of the Lord to completely fill his soul and convince him that it's just not worth missing out on time with his family. He needs the confidence to walk away from the convenience store and not pick up a pack of cigarettes.
He needs our prayers. So if you would please carve out just a few seconds every day for the next 10 days to pray for my Dad, I will be forever grateful.
I post this in love Dad, because I want you here for a very long time. I'm asking for you to not leave your mini-me alone with the rest of these goofy people just yet ;-)
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