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Finding a Father's Arms

Jim
January 28, 2011

As a child, I always felt different from other people and was quite ridiculed, to the point where I not only felt unloved, but unwanted both by my peers and rejected by family. Even though I grew up in church and understood the gospel, I never really knew or felt real love and acceptance. Through the power of a very sincere gospel presentation, I came to understand that I am loved and accepted by an eternal God who not only desires to have a relationship with me, but gave of Himself to show me that love.



Through this choice, I gained not just purpose, but also focus. All of my thoughts and intentions until that decision were always based on physical and emotional fulfillment. As a result of this choice, I have an eternal joy, a purpose that is focused on something beyond myself, and continue to see my life change as I commit myself to be more like Him.



Every feeling of aloneness and isolation fell away from me. Not only did I have a Father, I had family, a family that would nurture, love, and guide me in my growth and transition from an old life into a new life. Old habits fell away and a spirit of depression, rejection, and self pity were replaced with joy, fulfillment, and overwhelming contentment that I was accepted.



Through following the example of God's pursuit of me as a heavenly father and all the attributes that His scriptures have of His love, compassion, and justice for us, I learned how to be a positive and eternal influence in my children's lives and a father that they can always depend on and turn to---an example I never had as a child.



I was able to experience this through continued commitment and devotion to family and marriage, a relationship that God created and intended as an example of the type of love, guidance, and fellowship that He intended for us.



Through continued examination of God's scriptures and His instruction concerning my leadership, I have been able to humbley lead my family through many of life's choices and challenges, encouraging them that there is an eternal Father who also watches and guards over them in the same type of leadership, love, and compassion.