A Father's Day Letter For Those Without Fathers

Last updated on: June 20, 2015 at 7:30 am by Josh Daffern

A Father's Day Letter For Those Without Fathers 2015-06-20T07:30:25-06:00 Josh Daffern

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

It’s almost Father’s Day, an occasion to mark and celebrate the contribution that your own father has made to your life. Personally, if I looked at the true “definition” of what Father’s Day is, I wouldn’t be celebrating very much. My father has never made a meaningful contribution to my life.

He divorced my mom when I was a baby. Even though we lived in the same small town while I was growing up, he barely made any effort to have a relationship with me. He never knew my favorite color, my favorite food, who my best friend was, or my dreams in life. He never asked. He never cared.

For years I was bitter of the relationship that I longed to have. I saw so many of my friends be “daddy’s girls”, and I wished that I could have that with mine. I’m sure he loved me because I was his daughter, but he had a difficult time showing it. Eventually, I got over the bitterness and just realized that a normal relationship was not going to happen for me.

My mom did remarry. My step-dad was the constant in my life. He loved my mom and was always there. He and I were never extremely close, although I knew that if and when I needed something, he would be there. He too never knew my favorite color, my favorite food, or my dreams in life. It wasn’t that he didn’t care. I think sometimes it was hard for him to relate to young girls (he grew up with two older brothers). He too loved me. He loved me the best he could, and for him I am grateful.

During my adolescence, I was fortunate that God put some incredible men in my life who stepped in to fill the shoes of “daddy” in places I needed it. My youth pastor, Stan, guided me spiritually. My gymnastics coach, Coach Eddie, encouraged me as I pursed my passion. I probably spent more time with Coach Eddie than any other man in my life. He made me laugh, made me feel special, and looked out for me.

Now that I have four amazing children, Father’s Day means something different. I am truly grateful to be married to a man who loves our children, is active and present in their lives, and is the most amazing father in the world to them. They are blessed more than they know.

So as I celebrate Father’s Day this year, I celebrate my step-father, Stan, Coach Eddie, and my husband, Josh. But more than anything, I celebrate my Heavenly Father. Because I am a Christ follower, I will always have a Heavenly Father. Jesus has put some amazing men in my life who have loved me unconditionally, and for that I am grateful. To all of the dads out there, be present in your kids’ lives. To the men who fill an active role as “dad”, even if they aren’t your natural born children, I say ‘thank you’.

Previous Post

June 19, 2015

Trying to Make Sense of the Senselessness of the South Carolina Church Shooting

Next Post

June 21, 2015 BIG Church #3 - Big Day

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Family Matters Ministry in the Trenches Morning Brew MTVpastor New Wineskins Top Menu Truth from Life Uncategorized Watch Sermons

Select a Month June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Who saw a vision of a pot boiling toward the north?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Jeremiah Isaiah Habakkuk Zechariah