Standing on Shoulders, Held by the Father

I don’t come from the standard picture‑perfect family—and I know there are millions across Africa and around the world who share a similar story.

As I reflect on Father’s Day, now as a father of two myself, I can’t help but feel deeply grateful for the fathers God has placed in my life. He has given me broad and steady shoulders to stand upon—each one different, each carrying a unique lesson that I now carry into my own parenting journey… a journey that is very much still a work in progress.

By observing those who have gone before me, I’ve learned both what to do and what not to do. And in that, I see God’s grace—forming and shaping me through every example, every experience.

Despite coming from what may seem like an imperfect family, I now know that God knew exactly where I needed to be. He has walked with me every day of my life—especially in the difficult moments. Each person He has brought into my journey has left a lesson, like a brick, contributing to the building of my life, with Jesus Christ as the cornerstone.

In his letter to the church in Ephesus, Paul reminds us that long before we accepted Christ, we were loved by God—and we still are. In his letter to the Romans, he speaks of life in the Spirit and the gift we receive when we accept Christ. In Romans 8:15 (NLT), he writes:

“So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, ‘Abba, Father.’ His Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children—and since we are His children, we are His heirs.”

No matter what your family background looks like, in Christ we have access to Abba Father. And each day, I am experiencing a love that is truly indescribable.

If you have never experienced this love for yourself, I want to invite you to do so today. Jesus Christ stands at the door of your heart and offers you more than religion—He offers you relationship, forgiveness, and a new identity as a child of God.

You can respond to Him simply by opening your heart, turning to Him, and inviting Him into your life as your Lord and Saviour. In Him, you are no longer defined by your past or your family story—you are received, adopted, and deeply loved by a perfect Father.

Step into that love today. Receive Him, walk with Him, and begin living as a son or daughter of Abba Father.