Dear Friend,

In my childhood, I couldn’t comprehend the love of a father. As dysfunctional as we were, it was hard for me to believe people loved at all. My dad wasn’t around much, leaving us to be raised by my mom—a terrified woman who drank to keep from being scared. (The term “liquid courage” came from people who couldn’t deal with or face anything without a boost from alcohol.) When she couldn’t take it anymore, she went and got my grandpa—her dad—to take us in.

Most of you know that my grandpa molested me when I was six years old. So I didn’t see a positive influence growing up. In grandpa’s house, if you could work hard, you got to stay.

The Lord in all of His mercy showed me love, compassion, and taught me how to forgive. Can you imagine how our Heavenly Father must feel when we reject what He has done for us? How blessed are we to have a Father who loves us so much that He sent His Son to die for us and then sent the Holy Spirit to teach and comfort us? That kind of love was just so difficult for me to understand.

Having children of my own gave me some insight because I love them no matter what. And to think that God loves our children more than we do! There are so many hurting children out there who haven’t experienced love like our Father’s love.

When I took Levi as my son, I was determined that he would be loved and that he would always know how much he is loved.

We need more Godly examples in the Body of Christ for children to see. Darrin, the young man who became Levi’s father figure, is loving, patient, and gentle with Levi. Darrin has also become a son to me. I’m smiling because to me, he is just like John the Beloved, the disciple whom Jesus trusted His mom to. Amen. Darrin is a good fatherly influence on Levi, and Levi adores his papa. Darrin’s relationship with Levi is the Word and love of God in action.

John 14:22,23 says:

Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?

Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

Jesus loves children, and it is a privilege to have a child. In Mark 10:14, Scripture says: But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

I know some wonderful people—men and women who are amazing. They love God, they love their children, and love so many others too. These are my heroes. Their hearts are big and full of the love of God.

I want to thank all of you Godly fathers—your influence is so important to the children. They need you.

I am grateful for the provision our Father has made for Levi. Levi is blessed to have Darrin as dad.

Happy Father’s Day to all you dads and father figures! Many blessings to you.

In His love,

Donner Roberson