A Proud Son

I am proud of my dad...now that is not a phrase you hear often. Most of the time, healthy pride is funneled from the father to the son. I'm really proud of him...that son of mine. But how many men can say, "I'm really proud of my dad."

Tonight, my dad journeyed with me to our men's gathering that we have here in Birmingham. It is always hard to describe what this weekly gathering is about. Words are not able to provide proper description. So, I said, "Dad why don't you come with me?" I wanted him to experience the raw, biblical community of men....the brotherhood. He came and he experienced. He opened his heart and story to these men. He entrusted his brokenness to other broken men. He journeyed into his strength and explored more of his voice. He showed up instead of checking out (like many fathers do). He was present.

That is huge. My dad recently retired from 30+ years in the assignment of pastoring local churches. His calling to introduce people to grace and walk with them in the grace-journey was expressed in that vocation for many years. Now, at the ripe age of 66, he has semi-retired and is entering new assignments. The calling is still intact...to be a guide in the grace journey. Tonight, he expressed that calling once again. He invited others into his story...the grace story. And the men responded...they feasted on what God is doing in his life.

So, I am one proud son. Proud of my father. Proud of him for...
*not having all the answers...but inviting me and other men in.
*showing up and sharing with openness and honesty.
*allowing his brokenness to not be hidden, but celebrated as the pathway toward healing.
*owning his story and walking in that strength.
*celebrating his son's journey and calling.
*slowing down enough to enjoy and rest...not having to get on to the next thing (like many men)
*trusting instead of arranging.
*embodying this beautiful role we call DAD.

Dad, I am proud of you.