I was born on my father’s birthday. This created a special bond between us. He often said I was his best birthday present. His love for me was always evident and that love gave me great security and confidence.

Contrast my story with that of my grandmother. She was born after her father left the family, never to know him. She grew up in Sweden, then came by herself to America when she was about twenty-five. I grew up in the house next to hers. My grandmother was such a silent soul. I remember seeing her nearly every day and spending lots of time there. But I don’t remember her sharing one story, ever. I only know them from my mom’s recollections. Her life seemed to be characterized by insecurity. At the end of her life, in a nursing home, she came to faith in Jesus. My mom could not have received a better gift than to know her mom finally understood the gospel and her need of a Savior. I see it as a beautiful redemption story of one who had always thought herself fatherless, finding the love of her Heavenly Father.

There are many stories of the fatherless in literature. Those that resonate most with me are about girls finding a home with a father-figure. Heidi and her grandfather, Cosette and Jean Valjean from Les Miserables, Annie and Daddy Warbucks, and tiny Eppie from Silas Marner. Even though a sister and brother adopt Anne in Anne of Green Gables, it is the brother, Matthew, who becomes the doting parent. In part, each of these stories examines the suffering of an orphan and the healing role of an adoptive father. These stories echo the compassion found throughout the Bible for the fatherless.

When I think of my dad, I think of how safe I felt with him. He was a good provider. He was always present. He tried to correct misbehavior, not always perfectly, but usually with an effort to teach rather than simply punish.  He was quiet. He served when asked. I have often described him as one who let his hands do his talking. He was great with his hands. He could repair and build almost anything–sheds, picnic tables, a cabin and even outhouses. The outhouses would get a custom door decoration like a shamrock or a half moon, cut with his skill saw. I was dazzled by these adornments. Often these builds, which were for relatives or neighbors, served as his wordless way of speaking his care for them.

Here is a great picture of him holding my little sister’s hand. They are standing on a jumble of large boulders near a raging river. To me it is a clear example of the kind of protection and care he embodied. She was perfectly safe as long as she held his hand. 

When I was a senior in high school my dad passed away from cancer. Though we had a few months to prepare ourselves, his death changed everything. For a time my mother had no income. For me, my college plans seemed jeopardized. A year later in college, I wrote about losing my dad and concluded that I needed to take God’s hand and go on from there. Thus began my journey of fully knowing the Father’s care and protection in my life. Actually, I can say it really began with those that loved us well when we lost my dad. They were the tangible hands of God. 

Recently I read Tim Keller’s The Prodigal God. I had always assumed prodigal meant “wayward,” but it really means “extravagantly or recklessly spending.” The book discusses the parable from Luke 15 of two sons, both lost in their own way. The younger son became lost by wasting his inheritance. The elder son was also lost because he served his father out of duty, and not love, to gain a reward. The father in this parable loves both sons selflessly and is an example of God the Father. Keller also stresses that God has been extravagant in His provision and care for us. This was a bit hard for me to comprehend. I understand a father who loves his children well, but it is much harder for me to understand a father who is extravagant in his provision. Even if my dad had the means, I’m not sure there would have been excessive gifts. But that’s what we get from God. His sacrifice of His Son for each of us being extravagant beyond comprehension.   

In Psalm 73:23 the writer speaks of the intimacy of his relationship with God, “I am continually with You; You hold my right hand.” My life’s story is filled with the sense of God leading me by the hand through the rough times and good days too. God’s hand is referenced numerous times in Scripture. These passages teach about His leadership, justice, power, protection and provision. God’s hand is active in every aspect of our lives. I enjoy countless blessings from God–one of the greatest is my husband and family. But above all, it is simply the gift of God’s presence and His hand holding mine that helps me to know His lavish affection for me.

ABOUT OUR BLOGGER

Linnea Tideman has always enjoyed sharing stories. Her childhood in New Hampshire and her Swedish heritage have provided her with a wealth of experiences, but also the foundation of her faith. She enjoys creative projects, travel, books, sewing, gardening, but most of all hospitality, often hosting fancy teas and occasionally something grand like recreating dinner on the Titanic. She serves the UrbanPromise and Good Neighbors ministries. Linnea lives in Landenberg with her husband Dave. They have three grown daughters. She hopes that her writing reflects how God continues to reveal Himself to us as our shepherd and Savior.

Women's Taco Thursday: Kennett Campus

June 29, 2023, 6:30 - 8:30pm

It’s not too late to register for Taco Thursday which is for women of all ages (high school and up) from both campuses to have fun and fellowship! Ladies, you’re invited for a relaxing evening of delicious, authentic tacos and fixings, Latin music and Mexican Bingo (with prizes!). Come by yourself or bring a friend. It’s a great summer for building community at Willowdale! Deadline to Register is Friday, June 23.