Heading into Father’s Day, I’m stepping out to share a vulnerable part of my personal story with you, not to seek sympathy but rather to share a different perspective of where my heart is every year at this time.
I was born in Pensacola, Florida in 1990, at the end of the "American Crack Epidemic." It is my understanding that my biological mother was an addict, and I vaguely remember finding out in Kindergarten that the man on my birth certificate was not my father.
God the Father carried me through the Florida foster care system and through many homes. He was ever present, and I always felt His love.
I prayed daily that He would gift me a family here on earth, and against all odds and with the help of my great aunt, He came through for me and answered my prayers! In the late 90s, He gifted me the most incredible mom and dad PLUS 5 siblings! For this, I am forever grateful.
This weekend I’m celebrating my father here on earth and my Father up in heaven, but my heart goes out to all the children around the globe who are fatherless in this season. May we seek them out and lift them up together. May we share the good news of God's love and make sure they knew He's a good, good father.
xo,
Samantha
Comments
Amelia Bayless said:
Thank you so much for sharing this – it is beautiful. God truly is a good good Father, even when situations are hard and we maybe don’t see that immediately. My own Dad died nearly 7 years ago, so each Father’s Day I celebrate my Heavenly Father, my husband who is an incredible Dad to our two small kids, and my Dad’s memory. All glory to Him!
June 18, 2018
Ann Page said:
Thanks for sharing your story of God’s love in your life!!! It’s a great testimony!!
June 17, 2018
Tamar said:
Thank you for sharing. Your commitment is beautiful and amazing ❤
June 16, 2018
Sharon said:
Thank you Samantha. I appreciate your compassion and opening your heart to us. Your commitment to God is a testimony of His love for all of us. We love your products and the message they carry. Many Blessing, in Jesus name.
June 16, 2018
Amy Sue said:
It’s so wonderful that you can look back and see God’s provision in your life through the difficulties. Thank you for sharing; it is a good reminder that everyone has their own unique story.
June 16, 2018
Lea said:
June 16, 2018
Lori Beth said:
Your story sounds so familiar! My husbands birth mom an alcoholic took him away from his drug addict father and after that placed him in a boys home and he would spend much time jumping around from there. He finally found peace in a ex step dads grandfathers home at 18.
He is currently deployed and first time father our son who was born very early and is in the NICU.
Even though he will not get to celebrate with us. He will still be celebrated.
God is so good and places us in the direction of a path he has planned for us all along. Even in the darkest moments god is so good!
Sending much love and blessings!
June 15, 2018
Evelyn said:
Thank you for sharing this! I cannot say I didn’t cry! Your words are beautiful!
June 15, 2018
Amy Clark said:
Thank you for sharing. Praising God for how He answered your prayers! Thank you for making beautiful blankets that speak Life over little ones. And thank you for participating with Acres of Love this past year. Our kids come from the most desperate of circumstances but we know we have a Heavenly Father who loves us, who heals us, who redeems us. Miracles happen everyday.
“A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families.” Psalm 68:5-6a
““I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” John 14:18
June 15, 2018
Maribeth Bown said:
Thank you for sharing this beautiful story. How many times in the Bible does it show us how God turn trials in to praise and worship of HIM.
You are an amazingly strong person and God Bless You and your families.
June 15, 2018