4th November 2021–Daddy’s Girl

                Being transparent and vulnerable with you in this blog are two objectives for me.  I want to share intimate moments that will stir your heart and mind.

                Back in the early 1980’s I read a book entitled, “Is That Really You, God?” by Loren Cunningham and Janice Rogers.  The book was written for a middle school reading level; meaning college-level literature it was not.  But reading the book was profound for me.  The first two times I read it; I cried all the way through the book.  Why?  Because it told the story of a man who wanted to hear God’s voice, and by listening, his obedience changed the world.  That book awakened a desire in my heart to know God deeply. 

                I want this blog to have the same effect on others—to light a fire in their hearts to want to walk life’s journey with God as Father. 

                Drawing close to God is more than a perfunctory reading of the Bible or reciting a memorized prayer.  It takes a great deal of curiosity, asking questions, and learning to recognize what I call “God moments.” 

                This past Sunday, (31 October 2021) slowing awakening from my dreams, I pondered the possibility of skipping church.  There was no justification.  It was a moment to remind myself that usually, when the temptation comes to miss a Sunday service, it means I really need to attend. 

                St. Mary’s Church in Langley was founded in the 1200s.  Truly, the building tells the story of generations that have shown their love for God by caring for the beauty of the structure.  And some of the core members have been a part of the life at St. Mary’s for over 40 years.

                The regular routine for the time of receiving communion is, first, the choir, so that they can minister in music while the rest of the congregation comes up.  After the choir, the children are directed forward, if they have arrived back from children’s church.  Sometimes they are a little late.  Anyway, they receive a blessing from the vicar.  Then the rest of the congregation proceeds forward.

                As it transpired this past weekend, the choir was making its way to the altar as the children came into the sanctuary.  A few adults had already been motioned forward.  When I saw the little ones, with their teachers, come in, I paused. 

                Two sisters were looking toward their father, who was right behind me.  The youngest girl (who is about three) kept wanting to be with her father. I sensed the Holy Spirit directing me to motioned him to go forward and be with them.  At the railing, he knelt and put his arm around the youngest girl, tenderly embracing her. 

                The sweetness of the moment made me smile.  I thought, “Daddy’s Girl!” 

                As I knelt down, I held out my hands to receive the bread.  As the sunlight poured through the stained-glass window, and the choir sang, the Holy Spirt deluged me with love.  Softer than a whisper, the words resonated in my spirit; “And you are My ‘Daddy’s Girl’”.  Such love melted my heart, and the tears flowed.  That Presence stayed with me for several minutes—even after I returned to my seat.  Even now my eyes are moist as I remember. 

                I close with this scripture: “For the Father Himself [tenderly] loves you because you have loved Me and have believed that I came out from the Father.”  John 16:27