Abba, Father: Reflection for Father's Day
To the ones who stepped up, and the One who never steps away.
Today is Father’s Day.
For some, it brings joy and gratitude. For others, it stirs grief, anger, or memories too painful to revisit. Father’s Day can be complicated.
So let’s talk honestly.
What is a father? A male parent. A man who contributed biologically. But what is a dad? A dad stays. A dad nurtures. A dad listens, comforts, protects, teaches. The difference? Relationship.
A father can help create life. A dad helps shape it.
Today, I celebrate the dads - the men who step into that role by choice, not obligation. I celebrate men, uncles, brothers, nephews, teachers, pastors, coaches, and neighbors who fill the gap for children growing up without one. I honor the single moms who carry the dual burden of being both mother and father, and do so with strength and grace.
But more than that, I celebrate Abba Father - God. The One who sees every child who feels fatherless and says, You are Mine.
Who is your dad when you don’t have a father?
You have the Father. The One who created you in His image, breathed His life into your lungs, and called you His child.
Abba - an intimate word. Daddy. Spoken by Jesus in Gethsemane (Mark 14:36), whispered by the Spirit in our hearts (Romans 8:15, Galatians 4:6). Not distant or cold, but close and tender. Abba Father wraps us in a love deeper than anything this world offers.
God, as Father, is our source - the origin of all life. He provides, corrects, comforts, and never leaves. He loves unconditionally and completely. As Jesus reminds us in Matthew 23:9, “You have one Father, and He is in heaven.”
When earthly fathers fail or are absent entirely, He remains. Faithful. Steady. Present.
I was blessed with two earthly fathers.
My daddy, Jeff, gave me life and a model of what it meant to serve like Jesus. He wasn’t perfect, but he was real. He loved me unconditionally, taught me how to think, how to fix things, how to look inward before placing blame. He challenged me, supported me, and showed me that love is action - daily, sacrificial, and constant. He was my protector and my encourager. My best friend.
He died too soon, but the legacy he left lives on through stories, moonlit memories, and rock-collecting grandchildren. His final words? “God is good.” Even in pain, he pointed people to God. That’s the mark he left: a man after God’s own heart.
My bonus dad, Daddy Bill, was my mother’s second husband. A straight shooter with a deep well of love. He loved my mom fiercely and led our family with integrity. He expected honesty, hard work, and accountability. His words still echo in me: “What you do in the dark shall come to the light.” He lived what he preached, and his legacy is one of truth, love, and respect.
Both of these men taught me to honor God, love others well, and live with purpose.
God has entrusted men with a great responsibility.
No earthly father gets it perfect. But Scripture offers a vision for godly fatherhood:
Fathers love selflessly like Christ (Ephesians 5:25)
Fathers lead their families spiritually (Joshua 24:15)
Fathers provide for their homes (Philippians 4:19)
Fathers teach God’s Word (Deuteronomy 6:6)
Fathers correct in love (Ephesians 6:4; Hebrews 12)
Fathers forgive, as the father did in Luke 15, embracing the prodigal
God has shown us what a good Father looks like. They’re called to reflect His heart in their homes and in the lives of those they influence.
So, today…
I honor the men who have loved, led, provided, and prayed.
I bless the women who’ve stood in the gap with strength and grace.
I speak comfort to those who grieve the absence of a father.
And I praise the One who never left - Abba, Father.
May today be full of love, peace, and a deeper awareness that you are never fatherless.
You are known.
You are seen.
You are loved.
By the One who gave you life… and gave His for you.
Oh my Kim. What a blessing you are and what a blessing you have shared. This says it so well. I look forward to the book!