D - Daddy

For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” Rom 8:15

As believers we are adopted into the family of God and we can call out to our Heavenly Father, “Abba”– which means Daddy. I have been a Christian since I was 11 years old; the idea of knowing I had a father who loved me unconditionally is what drew me to Him. When tough times come I call out to my daddy and He is there for me.

How does Daddy fit into empathy you ask? Well, Heb 4:14-15 says, “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weakness, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”  In other words, He knows exactly what we’re going through. He understands our trials, our pain, our struggles and because of that we can come BOLDY to the throne of grace to find grace in time of need.  I am not alone. My Daddy knows me, understand me; He is the lifter of my soul, He carries me and He carries my husband right now.  It’s a beautiful picture of God as Father, as Redeemer, as Savior and yes even Daddy.

These last few days have been the hardest yet. It’s very strange to say that because watching Babe go through his treatments was really hard.  Every Tuesday night I packed a bag with snacks, a book, a journal, a sketch book, water and a quilt. Every Wednesday morning we headed to the hospital for our hour drive. I silently looked on as the love of my life was hooked up to poison, via the permanent port in his chest , and we sat there for over 4 hours. After that we would pack up, drop our things off at the car and walk over to radiology (across the big parking lot) and wait for him to get radiation on his neck. Radiation was daily, so on Chemo Day they would squeeze him in when they could, which meant we sometimes waited 20 min plus for him to be called back. Chemo days were the longest days.

So how are these days harder? Because we are all finished going to the hospital on a daily basis, no more chemo, no more radiation. They warned Babe that he would feel like he should  jump up and go but will not have the energy and sometimes no desire to do so. I have said that Tigger lost his bounce and that is a sad thing to witness.  Today I said that it’s really hard to be a cheerleader for the winning team when the team doesn’t want to be cheered on. That’s what it feels like. I see progress everyday but Babe doesn’t see it and he definitely doesn’t feel it.

These are very lonely days for sure. Normally we are laughing and talking all day long. Retirement for him has been amazing – we love hanging out together. Incidentally, Babe had officially retired on Dec. 4, 2023 and was officially diagnosed with two cancers on Dec. 4, 2024. What are the chances? He was incredibly appreciative for that year – a year of not being a part of the daily grind. It did wonders for his soul. We now see it was a year of preparation for what was ahead.

Entering into the throne room of the King is like being a child of the King who is never turned away, never scolded for entering without knocking, or reprimanded for interrupting an important meeting. Our King stops what He’s doing, picks us up and listens to our needs then asks, “How can I help?” And He does help.

Calling on my Daddy who understands me through and through is what has sustained me. When I am weak He is strong and His strength is what helps me be strong for both of us. Thank You, Abba Father.

The lesson: On hard days I straighten my crown and remember that I am the daughter of the King.

Pouring hope,
Nen ♥