A NEW FATHER’S DAY

On April 12, in complete darkness , an unsettling dream enters my sleep. Coincidently, my birthday is one month from this date and Father’s Day looms in the future. However, this dream holds sadness. My birthday and Father's Day, which have always been special, hold less joy, for this is the first; the first without my dad and my heart breaks.

April 12, 2025

“Standing in a crowded area outside of a mall seems quite unusual and unnatural. My entire surroundings seem ‘off’ and I cannot shake this feeling of urgency, trepidation, and fear. But I must be brave for dad. He needs me now.

Holding onto his arm while he stands on his feet, trembling, my eyes search for my sister and her two daughters. Thankfully, they remain close. We must remain vigilant and focus on the mission.

Glancing across the main thoroughfare filled with dark, diesel fumes from trucks, the guerrilla warriors stand tall throughout the haze; they hold their automatic weaponry, ready for any situation that may break from this large crowd of people, encompassing old and young, weak and strong, and encircling my family. My body shivers, yet I am not cold.

Somehow I must convince these warriors to allow us safe passage and board the ship that will take my father to healing. As he grows weaker, I cannot wait any longer.

Making eye contact with the captain, the leader of the vigilante ruffians, I nod towards my father, and then look directly at the large ship anchored at the dock.

Returning my eyes to his, I see an acknowledgment of sorts in his mannerisms and his hands move the rifle to his right side.

With every fiber of my being, I know he yields to my request.

Quickly, my sister and I hold onto dad and walk through the massive group. A stranger shouts for us to halt and still we walk towards the ship. No one harms us nor tries to stop us from entering the ship. We make it to the ship, away from the danger brewing outside.”

Many times since my father has died, I have often dreamed of him in normal activities, surroundings, etc. This dream returned the fear of helplessness I felt throughout the last few months of his illness; attempting various medicinal remedies, holistic suggestions and most importantly, continual prayers to God. And on this night, my mind needed a release.

And yet , was God revealing more to me than a mere picture in my sleep? For my earthly father is gone from this earth. And then, I remember the Father.

My Father, Lord of the Universe, longs for me to stand near him and fight. In 1 Timothy 6:12, the verse states “Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called.”(NIV).

Arm yourself with the full armor of God, dear readers. The battle continues.