This is the first of a short blog series that will continue the conversation begun by Donald Miller over Father's Day weekend (If you weren't there, go watch it online. Even if you were there, go back and watch it again!).  And here's the catch: we want you to respond! We want you to tell us the story of your fatherhood journey – the past, present or maybe even the future. And, to get things rolling, I thought I would share my own story.

If were to describe my own fatherhood journey in one word, I would use the word redeemed.

I was born when my dad was very young and my grandmother became my legal guardian. My dad has always been present in my life, but by the power of God, I’d have to say that the most recent days have been better than those growing up as a child.

In many ways, perhaps because of his youth, I felt my dad really had to grow into being a dad and – even though he was present in my life – I was really able to relate to the points in Miller’s book, Father Fiction, about the absence of a father.

The best, and most difficult, time of my fatherhood journey had to come when I was in college.

I had decided I was going to be my own man, even though I wasn’t really sure what that meant. I had the privilege of being discipled by my college pastor. Rather harmlessly, he once asked me an interesting question during a meeting.“How’s your relationship with your dad?” he asked. I tried to dismiss the question as much as I had dismissed the idea of being in relationship with my dad. It was not to be. My disciple said, “Your relationship with your Heavenly Father is going to be affected by your relationship with your earthly father.” Sound familiar?

That may be one of the toughest conversations I've ever had to endure. But I listened and the Lord – day by day – began to redeem the time I had lost with my dad. I grew closer to my Heavenly Father and my earthly father at the same time.

It’s been an absolutely unbelievable journey. Isn’t it amazing how things that seem so impossible for us are more than possible for God?

Today, I am the father of two children. I’ve learned and try to communicate to them that the most important person in their life is our Heavenly Father, God. He has given me the privilege of being their earthly dad. I want them to know that, although I may let them down and I am imperfect, they have the right to a relationship with a Perfect Father who will never let them down.

How has Donald Miller’s talk affected you? What is your story? Do you have a vision for your family that will ultimately affect God’s kingdom along your fatherhood journey? What do you sense God is calling you to do next? Let us know; we'd love to hear from you. Just send me an email and tell me your story!

Adaryll Jordan, Family Ministry Leader