Fathers, a Gift from God

Happy Father’s Day to the fathers, grandfathers, god-fathers, mentors, coaches, and all of the men who have been father figures in the lives of children and young people. Fatherhood, at its best, is a gift from God.

I have been blessed to experience many wonderful relationships with fathers, starting with my own father, John Powell. I am a self-professed Daddy’s girl. My dad exudes a quiet strength and exemplifies what it means to be a loving provider and protector. He instilled a love of learning in me and pushed me to always do my best. I am who I am, because of my father’s love and care.

I have also been graced with spiritual fathers in the persons of the Rev. Dr. Allen Paul Weaver, Jr. of the Bethesda Baptist Church of New Rochelle, NY and Bishop Dr. Ronald L. Owens of the New Hope Baptist Church of Metuchen, NJ. Dr. Weaver was foundational in my growth as a Christian disciple, a student of the Bible, a preacher of the gospel, and a pastor after God’s own heart. A serious man of faith, Dr. Weaver nurtured me and gave me room to grow into my gifts. When it was time to leave Bethesda, Bishop Owens welcomed me to New Hope’s ministerial staff as a spiritual daughter. His care extended to Joseph and our growing family.

Lastly, for eleven years, I have had a front row seat to the beautiful and blossoming fathering of my husband, Joseph. It has been a joy to witness his loving care and firm support of our daughters. He works hard so they can have everything they need to grow and succeed in life. He also plays hard, so they never take themselves too seriously, that they would always know, as he often says, “the little joys of life.”

For these fathers, and so many others, I give God thanks! And today, I invite each of us to remember the men in our lives who have fathered us, whether related by blood or by spirit, and give God thanks for their care and love.

In Christ’s Love,

Pastor Donna Owusu-Ansah