WWDS? (What Would Dad Say?)

“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” -Ephesians 6:4

When I was growing up, Daddy had some interesting sayings. If one of us was a little too sassy or bull-headed, he responded, “If you’re feeling froggy, go ahead and jump.” When he approved of something we did, he’d say, “You done good, kid.”  His response to a pout was: “You can kiss that mad spot and get glad.” And when he had a handful of bad cards during a rummy game, he’d laugh and exclaim, “Trash! Trash, and more trash!” But there’s one expression from his repertoire I’ve discovered I unwittingly repeat often: “That is correct information.”

This revelation came when my seven-year-old niece said it to me one day. I asked her, “Where did you hear that?” She responded, “You. You say it all the time.” When I finished laughing at myself, I explained to her that my dad used to say it to us when we were kids and had asked for confirmation of something. But more significant than all of Dad’s humorous expressions are the words he said most often : “I love you.” 

He freely gave those words every time we talked and I knew he meant them. Often along with them he would offer a word of encouragement or affirmation and sometimes a Bible verse. But always, always, he told me he loved me and was proud of me. I am grateful to have had such a kind and generous and wise father whose unfailing love pointed me to my heavenly Father and established a firm foundation for my life.

A Promise is a Promise

“. . . I will never leave you nor forsake you” –Hebrews 13:5

Mom and Dad believed strongly in the importance of keeping your word, and the lessons they taught me and my sister started with deliberate decision-making. When one of us would ask them permission for something or ask them to do something for us, if they couldn’t 100% commit at the time we asked, they would tell us “maybe.” They never used the word as a cop-out, but as a placeholder to give them time to ponder and perhaps gather information about the people involved or the activity or the resources needed to make our wish come true. It was an important lesson for me about avoiding hasty decisions. 

Along with the “maybe,” my parents reinforced the idea that promises are sacred and should always be kept unless there is a legitimate reason to break them. The inspiration for this value came from God Himself who clearly takes our words seriously. In fact, early in my life they taught me the words of Ecclesiastes 5:4-5: “When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it.” Because of my parents’ solid instruction, I learned that God is a God of His word. It is a truth that sustains me even when my feelings or circumstances try to tell me something different. So, when life’s challenges overwhelm me, I turn to God’s word and find a promise to reassure me. This week, God reminded me that no matter what, He will never leave me nor forsake me. No matter how awful my attitude. No matter how weak my faith. No matter how many mistakes I make or sins I commit. He is still faithful because He honors His promises.