Father’s Day
The first Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19,1910, giving honor to fathers. That is
something my family did not do—not having a father to raise us, although I saw many
celebrating Father’s Day. What a blessing that must have been. I always thought so but
did not know for sure until I read 1 John 3:1 (NIV). “See what great love the Father has
lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”
On June 21, 2026, many will be honoring their fathers—some will be biological, step,
grandads and male figures who pour into the lives of others. As we celebrate the fathers
who gave of themselves—fathers who stood, others who stepped in, and those who
showed up because of love when others did not. I found the following to be true. Even if
someone’s blood does not run through one’s veins, it does not keep one from a
father/daughter or son relationship.
Raised Fatherless
Being raised by a single mom was difficult at times. We did not have a father around.
My grandfather, aka Tata, did what he could for us. He was old school, a strong and
hardworking man. I remember when he would show us his hands and say, “If a man
doesn’t have hands like this, he isn’t a man.” They felt hard and rough like sandpaper.
That always stuck with me. I really respected my Tata. My grandparents were a
blessing. I am so grateful for them. No father present brought a lot of questions, doubts,
and resentment over the years. As I went through life searching for answers and
purpose, disappointment came to my front door.
The Heavenly Father
However, one day I was introduced to my Heavenly Father who loves me
unconditionally. As I studied God’s living word, the Bible, I learned that I could have a
personal relationship with Him. Romans 5:8 (ESV) tells us, “But, God shows His love for
us in that while we were still sinners that Christ died for us”. Who does that? My Abba
Father did that for me and you because He wants a relationship with us regardless of
our sin. He does not want us to be separated from Him so He made a way by allowing
His son, Jesus, to take our place on the cross so we could be reconciled with Him.
Thank You Lord! I was adopted by the blood of Jesus. Once I accepted Jesus as my
Savior, I became a child of God, and I am no longer an orphan. I am amazed that I have
an Abba Father, who loves me enough to call me His child. “Because you are his sons,
God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father.’ So
you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made
you also an heir.” Galatians 4:6-7 (NIV) I have embraced my relationship with my Abba
Father. As a child of God, He created me with a purpose. May my life reflect who I am in
Christ and may it be pleasing to God
Daddy Power
I believe my Abba Father (Daddy) blessed me. He allowed me to reconnect with my two younger
sisters’ father. God was orchestrating something beautiful between us, allowing us to
experience a father/daughter relationship. Having a second chance to build a
relationship with him over the years was a blessing.
I once read a plaque that said. “Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to
be a Daddy.” Now I understand that statement. He became my “Daddy.” Though his
blood did not run through my veins, we bonded in a way that was hard for some people
to accept or understand. I know God was working behind the scenes. It was a privilege
and honor to be there for him during his last few years of life, loving and caring for him. I
thank God for the years He bestowed upon me and my family with beautiful memories
we will always cherish. One of the last moments I had with my dad was holding his hand
and sharing my heart with him, telling him how grateful I was for our relationship. I knew
he did not have much time left. “Miss you, Daddy.”
Honor Fathers and Your Heavenly Father
As you honor fathers this year, may you remember to give honor to your Heavenly
Father. He is the one who created you and gives you every breath you breathe.
“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit
of lips that openly profess his name, And do not forget to do good and to share with
others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews 13:15-16 (NIV)
May this writing touch your heart and encourage you to get to know your Heavenly
Father on a deeper level, Reading, praying, listening, and studying God’s Word will help
bring you a better understanding of who Abba Father is. Bring honor to our Heavenly
Father with a life well lived.
Yvette Lara
6/2026
