By Ann Craven
When the word “father” comes to mind, many special remembrances and feelings immediately fill my thoughts. My earthly father, L.C. Wilcher, was without equal — to me! He taught me the meaning of love! How a four-letter word could encompass so much I never understood until I became a parent myself! When I became a Christian, the meaning of love deepened and expanded as I began to learn of the unequalled love of my Heavenly Father. When I became a parent, I began to marvel over the over-whelming feelings experienced by this indescribable sense of wonder, amazement, joy, awe, and reverence that filled my entire being! “Only God” began to fill my thoughts throughout each day. Only He could teach us to love so deeply and devotedly! While God chose to use both Father and Mother in designing His plan of our honoring both parents in love and respect, His blessings became two-fold as they loved me, guided, taught, provided for my needs, and, most importantly of all, led me to know the Lord as my Savior, Jesus Christ!
— In tribute to my parents L.C. and Lois Wilcher
By Bobby Craven
I called my Father “Daddy.”
You might have called your father Daddy also, or maybe not. Perhaps you called him one of many different names like Papa, Dad, Father, Pop, Old Man, DaDa, Poppy, or Paw. All fathers, no matter what you called them, were created by our Heavenly Father. Our fathers were special people sent by God to minister to their families and supply the love, protection, direction and leadership that family members would need on this earth.
My remembrance of meeting my dad, for the first time, was when I was five years old. He was a World War II soldier who had gone to Europe and returned home to his family. I met him for the first time, that I remember, then. What a happy day that was for my mother and the three sons. He loved us and had missed us during the war years. He was a very brave man, in my youthful opinion, for having fought for our country. We all felt a sense of security after his return and my Dad was ready to put the war behind him and move forward with relocating the family, working hard each day to support us, and very important to him, establishing a relationship with a local church.
My Father loved his family and he loved the Lord. He took us to church as young children. He was devoted to the work of the church. He helped others in need. He taught us to have the same love for the work of the church and its role of sharing the gospel with others. He lead by example.
Dad was a good disciplinarian. He loved us but would not let us get away with misbehaving. He showed us what unconditional love is and how to practice it.
Dad challenged us and encouraged us if there were bumps in the road. He wanted the best for his boys and taught us to love and respect others, to work hard at whatever job we had, to value the dollar; to tithe our earnings to the church and save a percentage for the future.
I thank God for the father that I had on this earth and the example that he set for me and I have attempted to transfer that example to my children and grandchildren.
I thank God for giving me the father that I had.
Thank you “Daddy!”
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY IN HEAVEN!
How precious for Father’s day. Such special memories of their fathers. Looking forward to your next chapter.
Beautifully written, Sister and Bobby!