Slideshow image

Dear Shiloh Family,

It was a game designed exclusively for Daddy and son. The three-year-old squealed with joy as the proud father tossed him into the air.

“Do it again daddy!” The lad pleaded.
“Ok, one more time.” The older man responded.

Like so many times before, the man grasped the child under both arm pits, flipped the boy’s feet into the air and allowed the toddler’s arms to loosely rotate in his strong hands. After a complete rotation, the ever- trusting wannabe trapeze artist would land safely on his feet.

The circus act had been performed without flaw so many times before. However, at the top of the flip, the young’un kicked outwardly away from Dad’s reach. Time slowed to an eerie crawl, but the man’s mind raced at warp speed as he tried to recover the broken grip on his firstborn. Panic struck as the child spread-eagled face up on the concrete floor.

Dad could literally hear the breath rush from the lungs of his bundle of joy. Fortunately, the little guy landed flat on his back and his head miraculously escaped contact. After what seemed like an eternity, the man kneeled cheek-to-cheek and did some pleading of his own, seeking any response from the lifeless form. After minutes that felt like days, in one large gasp, the boy recovered a fraction of the lost oxygen. Marble-eyed and gapped mouthed, the bitter-sweet words poured out and flooded anxious adult ears.

“Daddy, you dropped me!”

Well, I was too young to remember the incident. But Dad has repeated it more times than I can count, especially in sermons. He said as relieved as he was that I wasn’t injured, he was devastated that he had disappointed me. Mom always told me there was nothing on me hurt except my heart. For me, it is a wonderful excuse for my adult stupidity. My Dad dropped me when I was little. So, now you all know the truth.

That was the first and last time Dad ever let me down. I’m really glad I can’t remember the mishap because I can honestly say I have never been disappointed in my earthly father. 

Matthew 6:31-34: 31 "Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. NKJV

Paul O’Neal was an incredible example of my Heavenly Father, except my Heavenly Father has never dropped me. In fact, God has never let me down nor disappointed me in any way whatsoever…and he will be just as reliable for you. You can trust him; and what’s more, if you obey him, there are blessings beyond imaginations. 

Jude 24-25:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
25 To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. KJV
 
Words of comfort are only as good as the arms of support. My Heavenly Father has both. 

God bless you all,
Pastor Derrell