While growing up I loved my dad very much despite the tough discipline that he enforced in all the aspects of my life, just as the bible instructs in Proverbs 13:24; “Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.”
However, from 2006 onwards, some things came in that kept gradually reducing that love on my side. I felt so disappointed that my dad, whom I looked up to as a mentor, coach, and loving father allowed those things to happen. This led me to seek for a dad’s love in all the wrong places instead of from the one person that could give it to me (my earthly dad). All these attempts turned futile and led me into a deep web of more wounds that would also need healing.
My dad however tried to reconcile with me on many occasions but my heart was still hardened since I felt the pain was too much. I remember on one occasion we were in the car, and as he was saying bye, I broke down & told my dad, “I hate you!” However, being a humble father all he did was ‘swallow it.’
In 2020, there was a family ceremony that reconnected dad and me since we were both on the organizing committee. Then the 2021 lockdown real brought us together; we spent it intimately sharing together about things that have happened and happening in our lives. We are now inseparable, thanks to God. After forgiving my dad, I am so happy and at peace.
All glory goes back to God who mends the broken relationships. Psalm 147:3 “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
Brenda
