STXWM Blog

Do you think it’s true that most women end up marrying men that share their father’s traits? Well, in my case I believe it. Both my father and husband are funny, always going back and forth with the “dad jokes”. They are both loving and affectionate. I’ve seen my father give a hug and kiss to my mother countless times. I’m not sure if this ever grossed me out or if I thought it was sweet, but nonetheless, my husband shows the same affection towards me. Wishing me a “good morning” followed by a peck on the lips. He’s sweet like that. We make it a point to give and receive hugs and kisses every time we see each other, something my dad does often. Every “Hello, my daughter” greeting is followed by a loving embrace. I love my dad.

My husband adores his daughter, too. She is his world! It seems that there’s nothing she could seriously do wrong. However, don’t be fooled by her cuteness. He isn’t, at least most of the time. Their relationship is a perfect blend of Barbies, racing games, board games, imagination, discipline, respect, and fun! Can’t forget fun. She likes to remind me that he’s the “fun parent”. He’s the one that’s willing to teach her a new skill or answer her questions no matter how silly they may be. Just like my dad, my husband can be tough when he needs to be but also loving and fair. 

Most of my memories as a kid are filled with little errands to the barber shop, the hardware store or the dentist’s office. These might not seem like much, but as a kid, I was spending time with my dad! He would also walk me to school and spend mornings with me before I’d catch the bus when I was older. 

There’s one more trait that these two men share and that’s the willingness to do anything for their kids.This reminds me of a father in the Bible, whose 12-year-old daughter was dying. He was desperate to save her life, so he brought his request to Jesus.

Mark 5:21-23

²¹ When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake. ²² Then one of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. ²³ He pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.”

I know as a mother I have come to Jesus countless times when my child is sick. It’s not unheard of for mothers to stay all night at the hospital alongside their child. This story is so refreshing because it’s about a father’s love and determination for his child.

If you continue reading you find that there was a delay. Wait, what? Yes, there was a delay in her healing. While Jesus was headed to the little girl’s home, he felt someone touch him through the crowd of people. Someone had touched his garment, and he felt power leave him. He wanted to see who had touched him, only to find a woman who had an issue of blood. She believed she just needed to touch Jesus’ clothes and she would be healed—this is exactly what happened. Her faith healed her (Mk. 5:24-34). But unfortunately, this delay cost Jarius’ daughter’s life.

Mark 5:35-40

³⁵ While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?”

³⁶ Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”

³⁷ He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. ³⁸ When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. ³⁹ He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” ⁴⁰ But they laughed at him.

I can’t imagine how Jairus felt as he saw his daughter’s lifeless body on the bed and being told that she’s only sleeping. Others laughed at Jesus’ explanation but that didn’t stop Jairus from trusting the savior.

Mark 5:40-42

 ⁴⁰ After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. ⁴¹ He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). ⁴² Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished.

We can learn a lot from this story, and we can see what a father’s love should look like.

1)      Embrace humility- Jairus was a synagogue leader and decided to put his pride aside and fall at Jesus’ feet with desperation and submission.

2)      Trust through the delays- He had to let someone else receive their healing, before his daughter could receive hers.

3)      Choose faith over fear- Jesus encouraged Jairus to keep the faith and to not be afraid.

4)      Ignore voices of doubt- Despite what others had said, Jesus was there to help Jairus to focus on the truth and not doubt.

I am blessed to have these two guys, and my father-in-law, as great examples of what a dad’s love should look like. I believe that they would have acted the same way Jairus did if they were in his shoes. Unfortunately, I realize there are women who didn’t grow up with or have experienced good Godly men. This is why I’m thankful that we have a heavenly Father who is willing to do anything for his daughter’s life.

We’re reminded in John exactly what that sacrifice of love looked like.

John 3:16-17

¹⁶ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Now you may have memorized these verses and can quote them by heart ever since you were a little girl, but I hope that this verse hasn’t lost its meaning. God loved you so much that he was willing to have Jesus, his son, die on the cross for your sin. This is a huge declaration of His love for you! Jesus took the fall so that you wouldn’t have to. 

Maybe your father made you feel less than? Allow God to show you that you were made for more. Where your dad fell short, allow God to rise to the top.

 Romans 5:13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

This Summer, may the Lord show you his true characteristics. Remember, no matter what, there is a father who loves and cherishes you always.  

By: Melinda B.