Memories of Dad

It seems hard to believe that it’s been one year since our Dad passed away. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t think about him. There are so many memories that flood my mind when I think of Dad. There are so many questions I need to ask him. There are so many concerns I need to share with him. Oh, how I wish I could sit down with him for a few hours and discuss so much with him.

I don’t think I ever realized until he was gone how much I trusted his judgment, how much I relied on his wisdom, and how much he meant to me.

I pray that no one is offended because of my need to share this with you. I know there are many of you who have lost parents, mates, children, friends, and loved ones. I know that you suffer as well. Please know that my heart goes out to you and my prayers ascend to the throne of our loving Father on your behalf.

I’ve thought about why I feel the need to talk about my Dad. Perhaps it is because I didn’t tell him enough while he was alive what he meant to me? Perhaps it is because I didn’t value our time together as much as I should have? Maybe it is because I want everyone to know about the kind of man he was? Or, it may just be that I miss him terribly? Regardless of the reason, please indulge me as I share with you some memories of my Dad on the one-year anniversary of his passing.

DAD WAS A MAN WHO LOVED THE LORD

His life was characterized by a desire to be like Jesus. Someone told me not to long ago that they had never known anyone who was more like Jesus than my Dad. He had a tremendous grasp of what the Scriptures teach about following Jesus.

DAD WAS A MAN WHO LOVED THE WORD OF GOD

Dad was a preacher in the true sense of the word. His lessons were always filled with Scripture. He believed the power was in the Word (Rom. 1:16). He did not preach to please men, but God (Gal. 1:10).

Dad’s preaching was balanced. It was from a genuine heart of love for the Lord he preached and for the people to whom he preached. Dad almost always had a smile on his face as he proclaimed the unsearchable riches of Christ (Eph. 3:7-8).

DAD WAS A MAN WHO LOVED THE CHURCH

He loved the church with all of his heart. Dad fully believed that the church was the bride of Christ (Eph. 5). He never did anything intentionally to hurt the beautiful bride of our Lord. He had a disdain for those who sought to divide the church. His goal was to unite the church in every way possible.

Dad loved the local church. He especially loved the Roebuck Parkway congregation where he served for 43 years. He would be proud of the way this wonderful family of God’s people continues to move forward. He would be proud of the man they have chosen to carry on this great work.

He also loved the church around the world. It was evident in the work he did in Belize and many other places. He showed his love for the church through his Gospel meetings and other ways that he would work to strengthen the church.

DAD WAS A MAN WHO LOVED THE LOST PEOPLE OF THE WORLD

I don’t remember a time in Dad’s life when he did not have more than one Bible study as a part of his life. He took each person/family with whom he studied seriously.

Dad was always on the lookout for more people who might be interested in learning the Gospel of Jesus. He would talk to anyone if he thought they might study the Word with him. He was the model for how all Christians should be soul winners.

DAD WAS A MAN WHOSE LIFE WAS FILLED WITH HUMILITY

My Dad had an earned doctorate degree, but as far as I know he never told anyone. I never once heard him refer to himself as Dr. Jenkins.

He assisted in founding a Christian school, a Christian Youth camp, a college for deaf students, and numerous other ventures. He served on a number of boards and he helped probably thousands of people.

Yet, he never boasted about himself and his accomplishments. Just about every preacher I have ever known has struggled with ego and pride. Of all of the men I have ever known Dad appeared to struggle less than any other preacher with his ego. I pray to God every day that I can be more like him in this area.

My Dad was not a perfect man. He had weaknesses like all of us who have feet of clay. I am sure he struggled with temptation (even though I don’t know which ones).

However, he was a great man of God. I miss him every day (just like everyone in our family and so many others whose lives he touched), and I thank God for allowing my Dad to grace our world.

I hope if your Dad is still around and if he has been a blessing to your life that you will let him know how thankful you are for him. And don’t just say it with words; say it with how you live your life!

Dear Father, thank you for the memories of our Dads. Thank you for the way they blessed our lives. Thank you for allowing them to live in this world and influence us in so many ways. Father, help us to make our Dads proud by the way we live, but most of all help us to make You proud. In the Name of Jesus we pray, Amen.