That's What A Father's ❤️ Love Will Do
In honor of my godfather, Willie Davis, Jr.
That’s What a Father’s Love Will Do
Once upon a time there was a little girl whose dream was to be the queen of the world
She believed that she would for her
Daddy told her that she could
So she set out to conquer life
It was all good
But as life unfolded she found that the queendom came complete with opposition
So she looked to Daddy for help
But he and Momma were a bit distracted
There was pain and disaster and no more laughter
As their marriage came to a bitter end
So many questions and so much hurt
Now a teen finding her way
Were drugs good?
Was the struggle never ending?
To avoid loneliness was abuse ok?
Was any man better than no man at all?
What measure of success was enough?
Would Daddy ever call her queen again?
Or would a lack of capacity cause her to self-destruct ?
Now a young woman
Far away from the queendom
Numb from pain that others couldn’t see
Searching for meaning, crying out to God
Sometimes attempting to end it all just to be free
But God in His mercy heard the silent tears
Falling from this young woman’s eyes
Gave her first Virginia and then Willie
A double portion, blessed her not once but twice
And though this young woman was afraid to open her heart
To receive the love they had to give
God used their hands and hearts to help her to lay down the pain of her past while they covered her until she healed
Sure she had her Nanny’s love
It had been established for years
But to have a father’s love was almost foreign
It was unchartered territory
A new frontier
Pops - as she called him - stepped right in
Affirmed the queen that she was
Would have long conversations about who she would someday be
Then would remind her to always keep her head up
Every accomplishment she attained
Every accolade she received
He made sure to acknowledge that he noticed
Nothing escaped this proud Poppa’s glance
At every chance he could he gloated
He spoiled her with extravagance
Took her on family vacations
And treated her with class
He bought her first college ring to commemorate her graduation
And for her PhD’s commencement bought her last
And when he could no longer audibly say just how proud of her he was
He shook his potato wedge in recognition of the pictures she’d sent him
The epitome of a father’s love
Patient when it was needful
Firm when chastisement was due
Kind even when treated unfairly
That’s what a father’s love will do
Merciful when justice is warranted
Gracious and forgiving too
Consistent when life is troubling
That’s what a father’s love will do
Never without provision
Even when resources are few
Miracle maker, opportunity creator
That’s what a father’s love will do
Wipes every tear with comfort
Dispels lies with truth
Stands in strength and honor
That’s what a father’s love will do
Picks you up when you fall
Makes rough places smooth
Kisses every bruised place
That’s what a father’s love will do
Holds your hand when you’re afraid
Never leaves or forsakes you
Never lets you walk in shame
That’s what a father’s love will do
Peace when you are confused
Direction when you don’t know what to do
Don’t look now; but your feet are off the ground
Because a father’s love will carry you
And today I declare that my Pops was a human example
Of how my Heavenly Father makes all things new
Earth has no sorrow that God’s presence cannot heal
Because that’s what THE Father’s love will do
So Abba Father our souls cry out today
For you to bring us through
We trust you to hold us, to keep us, to guide us, to lead us
For that’s what God’s love will do
