A Fathers Hug | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: A Fathers Hug | Previous Challenge Entry
By Mathew Bunde
10/11/07
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The beat of the music pulsed through the church like a beating heart. I was comforted like a newborn resting on his father’s chest. I sensed the presence of the Lord in that place. It was like the warmth of a fire on a cold winter day, comforting and inviting. Many times I have felt the presence of the Lord and many times have embraced it, releasing my cares and worries. Yet this day I was unable to do so. Instead I looked around wondering who may be watching, who may be critical of me. My spirit was ready, but my mind and body where unwilling to cooperate. I closed my eyes and attempted to control my thoughts and lift my arms in worship. Half heartedly I raised my left hand then quickly put it back down again. Thoughts began to clutter my mind: Why can’t you praise your GOD? Have you got unresolved sin? Are you hiding something? What is it? What did you do? Quickly I excused myself and retreated to the men’s room. Attempting to regain composer I splashed some water on my face and stared into the mirror. “Father what’s going on” I said “Why can’t I express my faith in front of people”. As I looked into the mirror I saw a child embracing is father in a big bear hug and trading warm smiles. After the child had left for school the father noticed his son had forgetting his lunch. He grabbed his son’s lunch and quickly headed out the door. Before long the he caught up to his son walking to school with three friends. “Son, you forgot your lunch” said the father “Thanks Dad” he said taking the lunch and ignoring his fathers outstretched arms. His father was not surprised at the reaction and looked at his son in understanding. He understood his son was afraid his friends might think he was weak if he displayed such affection in front of them, so he did not push. On the way to school one of his friends asked “Why didn’t you hug your dad?” “Oh, that’s kids stuff” was all he could say. His heart heavy with guilt knowing it wasn’t true, yet he feared his friends ridicule. “I’d give anything for just one hug from my Dad” was his friends reply. “You don’t think it shows weakness?” asked the son. “Weakness, My dad was a college football star and golden gloves champion he’s the toughest guy I know” replied his friend “he’s not afraid of anything, except showing me affection, you know I’ve never had a hug from my Dad” tears began flow down his friends cheek “If anything it’s a sign of weakness” he said wiping the tears from his eyes. Immediately the son ran as fast as he could back into his father’s arms and embraced him without a care in the world. He now understood he had what few others did, a real heart to heart, father to son relationship.
As the image of the father and son faded I was once again staring back at myself. For the next 30 minutes I stared into that mirror watching the tears wash the guilt from my face. A dozen people must have come in during that time, some staring, and some asking if I was ok. I only stared into the mirror holding onto the moment. I now understood the true meaning of strength and of worship.
A hug from my father is worth more to me then someone’s opinions!

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