Father God Is Calling
The first time my father ever apologized to me, I was in my forties. As far as I could remember, my father had never apologized to me for anything. Now he was calling me with an all encompassing apology, asking me to forgive him for how he thought he had failed me as a father. My initial reaction was to push back and deny any problems between us. My father had worked hard to provide for our family, I admired his love and commitment in marriage to my mother. He was affectionate with me, and my siblings and kept us laughing with his good sense of humor. But he persisted.
As he shared his regrets over the phone with me that day, saying there were things he would change if he could, I recognized that this was a turning point, not just for my father, but for me as well. My father was not one to cry in front of people, so this significant yet potentially emotional moment had to be done with a phone call.
I was fine with that.
In that one moment my relationship with my father changed forever. A healing took place that no amount of counseling or self-analysis could ever accomplish. I always loved my father and knew he loved me, but now we became the best of friends. We created new memories, and from then on, I looked forward to anytime we spent together until he passed away just over a year ago. The effects of that phone call continue to inspire the way I relate to my husband, my children and most importantly, the way I view myself.
Just knowing that your dad is making an effort to show he cares, can make all the difference in a child’s self esteem.
Looking back on this story, what was it about one phone call that could be so life changing? The answer is clear.
My father called me that day because of his deep love for me, but love is not what steered my father and I onto a new journey of freedom from the past. Love did not free us to be honest with one another without fear, nor did it free us to forgive one another. Love is why we forgave each other. But it was the power of truth that transformed us. It was truth that set us free.
There must have been a lot of soul searching and self-examination before my father called me. It took courage to confront and confess the truth, and then to ask forgiveness. There was confession on my part as well. I asked forgiveness for the ways I had hidden, rebelled and disrespected him during my teenage years. We forgave each other and my father and I were cleansed that day, free to start fresh in the light of truth.
The Bible tells us “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us.” - 1 John 1: 8-9
Each of us has our own unique journey with our fathers. Father’s Day may be a day of struggle for you, instead of a celebration. You may never have experienced reconciliation with your father. He may not have reached out to you with even a phone call. But no matter the relationship with your earthly father, your Heavenly Father is calling out to you. He will never abandon you. He is calling for you to reconcile with Him as His child. Your Father in heaven is calling for you to receive the truth of His love, so that you can be made free.
Father God is calling. Will you accept the call?
“And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” - John 8: 32
Cassie Byram is the Founder/CEO of Mamala Media. She is a thriving musician, award-winning actress, wife, and mother of two based in Hollywood, CA. Cassie’s career encompasses film, television, theater, voice-overs, published songwriting and multiple album releases for adults and children alike. Her years as an Executive Creative Director garnered her a five star Dove Award Seal of Approval for her Treasure Toons animated videos. With a mission to embrace families with the love of God, Cassie offers engaging resources that provide guidance and encouragement for kids and parents alike. Learn more about Cassie