We always talk about the four letter words.  You know, the ones we aren’t supposed to say.  Those words that get us in trouble, or for some, a taste of some soap.  Four letter words are learned quickly from an older sibling, a parent, on the playground, or from television.

We never refer to other words by the number of letters they contain. But let me suggest that there is a three letter word that can open up wounds or ignite feelings of pride.  A word that is said with love and admiration, or sometimes unfortunately mumbled with disgust under a breath.

What word could have that much power?  D A D  

A simple but powerful word for many that causes us to sometimes take inventory.  Measurement of the relationship we have had with our father through the years and  memories that are cherished or hidden away in the dark corners of our mind.  What a stark contrast this simple word creates.

Try this simple task, ask someone to tell you about their dad using only a few words.  Better yet, tell your own story about your dad.  Not a long dialogue, but something short and simple.

This activity might help you realize some things about your dad, or better yet, yourself.   If there is love and adoration, tell your father while there is still time.  If there is unforgiveness?  Then forgive!  It is freedom for others, but more importantly it is freedom for yourself.  It’s the beginning of becoming healthy again.

Our earthly fathers can, and often will, fall flat of their faces, disappoint us, or even harm us.  However, we have a good, good father in heaven that only wants the very best for us.  We can’t compare our earthly father to God because of our father’s fallibility, and we can’t expect God to be anything less than our ABBA (daddy) Father because of his infallibility.

There are three attributes of God:

1. omniscience – all knowing
2. omnipresent – everywhere
3. omnipotent – all powerful

I like to think about the number three concerning God as:

1. creator – He made us!
2. redeemer – He saves us!
3. sustainer – He encourages, comforts, and supports us!

Maybe there IS a reason that the name DAD has “three” letters!

#LetsAskDad