Big Dad

Our little boy Nathan has only seen my husband in photos.  Nathan first father died when he was very young, just a toddler.  This little guy desperately wants a father.  We were told recently that after looking at pictures of Jerry, Nathan commented with pride "That is a really big Dad!" 

Oh Nathan, if you only knew.  Yes my son, God has blessed you with a really big dad. 

The biggest thing about this dad is his heart.  As a metaphor for his life, when Jerry was being delivered, the doctor in rural Louisiana told his sweet mother that he had died in the womb, and she labored all night thinking he would be still born.  It turns out, Jerry's heartbeat was so strong, the doctor mistook it for his mother's!  And so he burst forth, a big, bouncing over-ten-pounder, grinning away.  Fifty years later, his mother still had tears in her eyes telling me of that moment.

God had a big purpose for that big-hearted baby.  Over the course of his life, he has been called again and again to be a big dad.  Three prophets on two continents have spoken this scripture over my husband:

Genesis 17:3-4 Abram fell face down, and God said to him, "As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations."

Some years ago, the enemy tried to take Jerry out.  It broke him almost completely.  He lost everything...his marriage, his home, his job, his car.  In his darkest moment, he did the only thing he knew left to do.  He fell on his face and cried out to God to help him.  And God showed up.  Like with Abraham, God is not only blessing Jerry but giving him so much more than he could have ever dreamed of before.

In the last five years, God has added this one to Big Dad's list. 

And this one.

And a daughter-in-law and these three beautiful grandkids...

And this awesome son-in-law, who calls him...Dad.

And God led this unlikely candidate into a relationship with lots of kids that really, really need a dad...

And soon, very soon, he will officially become Big Dad to three more. 

But, these days of rebuilding have not been easy.  To be a better father and husband, Jerry made a career change from the corporate world into an industry, real estate, that is in a depression.  He has struggled and fought and held on to this second career because for him it is his ministry and calling.  Over and over, God has used him to help people at their time of need, when they are making big decisions.  Unsure single women, hopeful young couples, seniors who need to reorganize.  But finances have been so, so challenging. 

Many times, he has been tempted to quit.  But I know, deep in my bones, that he is right where God wants him to be.  And so despite the challenges of this seaon, Jerry STANDS.  And if you know Jerry, you know that once he stands, he is not easily moved, physically or otherwise!

And so my dear, amazing husband...you STAND.  You STAND on the promises of God for your life.  You STAND on what you know to be true.  You STAND even when others doubt you or say you are crazy.  You STAND when setbacks come again and again.  You STAND when the enemy tries to discourage you about provision.  You STAND when the way looks impossible.  You stand my hero, and I will be standing right there beside you.