It is Father’s Day here in Australia. I had 3 “fathers” and there is no way I could honour any of them, especially not the last, who every day for many years told me I was an ugly freak and totally evil; that no one would ever want me so I might as well do the world a favour and kill myself. I can, however, be thankful for them because their abuse helped make me what I am today.
Today, on this Father’s Day, I pay tribute to my loving husband and father of our five sons. After 50 years of very happy marriage I still think he is wonderful. However, my greatest praise is to my loving heavenly Father, who for the last 52 of my 74 years has never ceased to pour His love on me. Without Him and His love I’d be nothing.
I express my love and appreciation for Him in the words of hymnwriter Stuart Townend:
HOW DEEP THE FATHER’S LOVE FOR US
How deep the Father’s love for us!
How vast beyond all measure,
That He should send His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure.
How great the pain of searing loss!
The Father turns His face away,
As wounds which mar the chosen One
Bring many sons to glory.
Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders.
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there,
Until it was accomplished.
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished.
I will not boast in anything;
No gifts, no power, no wisdom.
But I will boast in Jesus Christ:
His death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer.
But this I know with all my heart:
His wounds have paid my ransom.
lyrics by Stuart Townend
- Christ died for MY sin
MEETING IN THE CLOUDS 
HOW DEEP THE FATHER’S LOVE FOR US
For the first time in my life I understand that I, not only the Jews in the 30’s AD, crucified Jesus. And despite his thorough knowledge of that, he died for me, with me in mind. I can hardly wrap my mind around it. Thank you.
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If you’ve read my conversion story you’ll know that the words “Christ died for your sins” haunted me for a week before I understood them, and what a JOY that was! He died for ME! What a wonderful Saviour! Oh the blessedness of knowing my sins were completely GONE. He took my sin and gave me His righteousness. 2 Corinthians 5:21
I’d have to check it out but one of the great artists (I THINK it was Rembrandt) painted himself into the people in the crowd at his painting of the crucifixion.
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Hi
I commiserate with you in relation to the abuse you received. I read your story. It is quite shocking what humans get up to. We expect better from our own family but this sadly is not the case.
You are welcome to read my blog site you can google mountlester1
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Hi Lester. Thanks for your comment.
While your commiserations are received in the manner they are given, I would stress that I am now THANKFUL for everything that happened to me. I have to admit that there are times when I react in accordance with the way I was programmed, but mostly the abuse has no effect on me, apart from making me more aware of others who have also suffered.
I’ll have a look at your site.
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