Good Good Father

October 11, 2019

Here I am listening to Praise and Worship as I read the introduction to the study I am about to start on the Book of Romans. The song “Good Good Father” by Chris Tomlin comes on andI immediately think of the photo of holding my dad’s hand during his last 24 hours here on Earth with us.

January 5th, 2018 I received the call from mom that hospice was there, dad was home, and it wouldn’t be much longer. That was Friday. Though in hindsight maybe it was the 4th and Thursday either way I jumped on a plane to Florida to be with Dad and mom on Saturday the 6th. Somewhat selfishly I prayed the whole way that he would hold on until I got there. Praise Jesus for answered prayers as I made it.

I hugged my mom, my sister, and my niece. We all gathered around Poppa, my dad, taking turns holding his hands and talking to him. We played his favorite songs, told stories of days gone by, and just talked to him. At times we’d talk and he’d give a crooked smile or raise as eyebrow as if to agree with us or to answer us. My niece and I slept in the living room near to him and listened to each breath and being there to comfort one another.

That was the 6th of January. Sunday the 7th started much the same with prayer, dad’s favorite songs, hand holding, and calls with family so they could talk to dad. Each one of us told him how much we loved him and that it was okay to go home to be with Jesus.

Right around 330pm we were all around him. I had let go of holding him, touching him, to turn and grab a swab for his mouth and when I turned back to him he quietly and peacefully passed. In that moment I so strongly felt the presence of Jesus, of God, holding us all in the palm of His hand. In the midst of sorrow there was warmth and joy in knowing Poppa,my dad,was home and we would see him again one day.

In the time since dad’s passing I have spoken of how this experience changed my life. I’ve grown closer to my Heavenly Father. He has been here when the waves of grief come by and reminded me how dad loved me and how He loves me. He is showing me the direction He has for my life and how I can be a Blessing to others and Glorify his name.

During those last few days we listened to Chris Tomlin’s. “Good Good Father” many times. Though it is a praise to God, it struck me to the core about my earthly dad. “You’re a good good father. It’s who you are, it’s who you are, it’s who you are .And I’m loved by you. It’s who I am, it’s who I am, it’s who I am”

God is with us in times of sorrow and in times of you. He is our rock, our refuge,our comfort in the midst of the storm. When we go through deep waters He is with us (Isaiah 43:2)

If you have any trouble upon your heart, I pray in the mighty name of Jesus that you feel the comfort of Jesus, of Our Heavenly Father. May He keep you under his wing always.