Father Hunger

In the book of Romans, chapter one, the apostle Paul declares that God has made Himself manifest in Creation. God, therefore, has many “faces” or symbols through which the Divine Nature is expressed. The metaphor of “father” is but one of those faces that characterizes (in part) the kind of relationship our Maker longs to have with us.

Father’s Day is set aside each year to honor our human fathers; that can be a challenge for many people. Even the best of fathers fall short of being able to fill the depths of our need. Nevertheless, we are called to treat our fathers respectfully―even when they have not earned it. What does a person do when one had no father, or had a father who was less than stellar, one who didn’t measure up to the “Hallmark cards”? How do you make up for that deficit? Because our culture is so sadly filled with “father wounds,” I wanted to write something that spoke to the void in people and the cry of their hearts to be fathered well. As I brought it before the Lord and listened, the poems that follow were what I “heard” from the Spirit.

The first, “I Need to Know a Dad,” is framed specifically for a woman. It is a lament that reveals the longing created by wounds from a damaged (or non-existent) relationship and a cry to be heard by the only perfect Father. The second, “You’re my Dad,” is an appeal to be strengthened, shored up, and equipped to stand strong in life. The content might resonate with either a man or a woman depending on where one is in life.

May the Counselor, Teacher, Comforter, and Healer speak to your hearts and nourish your spirits as you ponder their message.

I NEED TO KNOW A DAD . . .

I’m Your daughter . . . you are my God . . . I need to know a Dad

One who’s Kind, with Gentle hands . . . safe to hold me close,

with listening ears attentive to . . . all that’s in my heart . . .

the things I like and fill me with excitement and delight,

Who also treasures, saves, and stores each tear that comes from pain . . .

a costly rich perfume that bears the fragrance of my name.

~

Sometimes in life I’m faced with things . . . much too big for me to bear.

So when I’m weak . . . and really scared that I’ll be overwhelmed,

be the Champion I need Who’ll rush to my defense.

Encircle me with loving arms . . . a sanctuary for my soul

where I’m secure because You are . . . committed to protect.

~

When I’m confused, and feeling lost, I need a Dad who’s wise

Someone who knows just what to do when I don’t even have a clue,

a Helper who will hold my hand . . . walk with me side by side.

Direct my steps and pick me up when I stumble and fall down.

Then let me know when I’m to rest . . . be my patient Guide.

~

I need to know Your tender Voice when times are really tough.

Encourage me with words of life that bless and build me up.

Forgive me that too often I’m deceived in unbelief.

Convince my heart . . . not just my mind

that You are  Faithful, Just, and True

rich in all the things I long for . . . precious golden qualities.

Let me experience the gift to know my prayer-filled hope fulfilled.

~

I want the little girl in me to dance with full abandon

to play the little princess part

like Cinderella with her Prince . . . dressed as royalty.

I want to see the beauty that You see in me reflected

in Your eyes and countenance, written in Your smile.

~

And when a curtain rises . . . ’cause it’s my turn to share

the gift I have to offer, on the stage of life,

let me see You seated in a special front row seat

so I can hear Your clapping hands and cheering Voice rejoice

celebrating my success (or just because I’ve tried).

I’ll treasure when I see those tears that make Your eyes go moist.

I also need to know You’re proud of who I have become.

The woman in me needs respect . . . and dignifying love.

What if, in the “dance of life”― when you feel scared, overwhelmed, confused, or don’t know what to do―God came along and took you by the hand, calmed your fears, and gave you the guidance for what to do? How would you feel? Did you know that the Holy Spirit is called, in the original Greek, the Paraclete? That means “One called alongside to help.” With that in mind, check out the following FB link and imagine the beautiful healing metaphor of “Father God” healing the “little girl hunger” in a woman longing to be fathered well. Perhaps it will capture your heart as it did mine: “super dad-arina”  “You will also be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.” (Isaiah 62:3).

~

Let’s look next at the stabilizing, strengthening, fortifying poem. . .

YOU’RE MY DAD

You’re my Dad, I need Your love . . . in words which say, “Well done”

an affirmation from above―I’m Your beloved one.

Not because of anything that I could say or do

just that You’re pleased . . . with who I am . . . and that I follow You.

~

There is a war in unseen realms. So teach me how to fight

not with anger, or brute strength, but with Your Spirit’s might.

Make me strong to walk in faith . . . in love, and purity.

Give me grace to honor truth with all integrity.

Help set my sights to lift the lives of others up

with humility . . . a servant’s heart . . . Your kind and tender touch.

~

I want to live with open heart to learn from others too

so send my way some mentors who

can teach me how to navigate the challenges in life

so I can learn the skills I need . . . to do what’s good and right.

Then cultivate in me the kind of giving heart

that takes the things which I have learned and in return

do my part . . . to pass it on and sow those seeds . . .

in someone who might need something

that has matured inside of me.

~

There are some times that I still need a set of Stronger Arms

to lift me up when all I feel . . . is small and weak inside.

I need compassion when You see desperation in my eyes

and I’m unraveled like a child who’s just trembling inside.

Be patient with me when I fail . . . kind when I mess up

reassure me when I’m lost . . . or I don’t trust enough.

Help me persevere through pain when things are really tough

and all I feel is, “nothing’s left” . . . that I’m completely spent.

~

I need to hear You cheer me on . . . to reach for higher heights

to dream big dreams that I can’t do without dependency on You.

Build in me the wisdom that . . . knows when it’s time to risk

the boldness of a faith required to “step outside the boat”

and when it’s time to wait on You to be my guiding hope.

Help me slay the giants that are yet inside of me

so I can be the one you’ve called . . . and fulfill my destiny.

~

Copyright © 2017, Denise M. Rowe