I wonder if you are aware of the connection between Juneteenth and Father’s Day. This is huge! Let me tell you what I learned. Juneteenth was originally celebrated in Texas on June 19, 1866. This was the first anniversary of the day that enslaved Africans there first heard about the Emancipation Proclamation, over two years after it was initially issued. They remained enslaved until they were told about their right to freedom after hundreds of years of brutal slavery. Freedom Day, as we call it, must be celebrated and remembered. I am certainly grateful for freedom from slavery, and I am eternally grateful for the freedom that I have in Christ. We have reached the middle of June and just like we celebrated Mothers last month, it’s time to celebrate our Dads. Father’s Day originated with a woman who tried to establish an official holiday that was just like Mother’s Day for male parents. So On June 19, 1910, the first Father’s Day was celebrated in the state of Washington. Isn’t that something? Although the date changes, it’s celebrated on the 3rd Sunday in June in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. As is true for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day can be a source of joy and sadness. If this day grieves you, then I’m praying for your strength and comfort. I am blessed to still have my Daddy who does so much to assist and take care of things that I cannot do around the house, with my vehicle, etc. He not only does things for me, covers me, prays for me and loves me, he is my earthly father. I appreciate all he does year round and that is why I don’t wait until Father’s Day to let him know how much I greatly appreciate him. In fact, I’ll be spending time with my parents this weekend. I am grateful that my Dad loves the Lord and he loves his family. Juneteenth is also special because it was the day that God brought me into the world, and I am so grateful that I’m here. People can look at me and see that I resemble my Dad and Mom. Well, I want to do the best I can to accomplish Father God’s purpose and plans for me. I desire to live so that people see godly qualities and characteristics in me. I want people to know without a doubt that I belong to Him. As I write this, I think about Chapter 6 “Visible Difference,” of my book WHEN I WAS 40. Although my Dad is very instrumental in helping with advice and tasks where I am limited in strength or stature, our Heavenly Father is strong enough for both of us and for every person to depend on at the same time. Some people may have a difficult time putting faith in a Heavenly Father when they never had the example of a good earthly father. I want to encourage you to give Him a try. Our Heavenly Father longs to have a relationship with you. You can trust Him. You can depend on Him. All you have to do is whisper His name. He’s only a prayer away. You will learn of Him. Today is the perfect day to connect or reconnect with our Creator, God, our Father who art in Heaven. Juneteenth, June 19th, is truly a day to celebrate. Our freedom. Our Dads. I'm so grateful, and I'm praying for you!
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