In a world where there is seemingly a great lack of true fathers, or even mentoring father figures, I count myself very blessed. So I would like to take a moment to tell you about the "Fathers" in my life.
My dad, Clyde Buster Hodge, is a great example in all the roles of life of just what a father, husband, pastor, provider, employee, and now grandfather should be. One of several children growing up in the coal mining towns of Southeastern Kentucky, he knows what it is like to grow up poor, to do without (and not even know you are doing without), to be hungry and to make sacrifices. Maybe this is the reason he can identify so well with the needs and people of our small town, especially the youth on the streets.
He proudly served his country in the Army overseas during the Vietnam War. Being drafted was quite an experience for this country boy. One moment he was getting on a bus in Cincinnati with no idea he was actually being drafted. Then a few hours later calling his mom from Fort Knox, Ky as a member of the military. His travels to New York City and Germany have made him leery of plane rides to this day. The next time he wants to fly is to his Heavenly Home.
My dad has always been a worker...sometimes working two jobs and attending Bible school. No matter the job, whether on a construction site, in a factory or at the Depot, he never complains. Even around home, he is always busy..piddling around the garage, cutting firewood, transplanting the garden, or working on one craft or another. His most recent favorite pastime is making Kentucky Skeeters.
But, even more importantly, my dad has been called to be a Preacher and a Pastor. He has a desire to see the Lord move mightily in lives and to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. He has driven buses, taught Sunday School, preached on the streets, even donned the costume of K. C. the Kentucky Klown. Most recently, this love for the Lord has even meant riding a Skateboard just to keep it "Real" for the youth. (I don't know if he has recovered yet but can you put a price tag on eternity?) We are never surprised when he says he's going to run to church to turn on the heat or air...this just means he is going to spend sometime with the Lord praying, seeking his will and studying. Hardly a Sunday afternoon goes by without finding him with his Bible out searching for the Word to encourage his congregation.
Some of my favorite memories are traveling with my family whether it was camping, on vacation, or church conferences all over. My dad has always been supportive of his kids and our latest 'thing': who can be the first kid to see the Indy Speedway or hey let's drive to Nashville in the morning to see a Mime program! Thanks for being such a great support! I love you, Dad!
Not only a great father, he is also now privileged to be called Grandpa by three precious little boys. Needless to say these guys have Grandpa wrapped around their little fingers.
Speaking of these guys brings me to another Dad who deserves notable mention: My brother, Kevin. My brother and I are as different as night and day but how many sisters have a brother who will change her flat tire after a long day at work and while still on call. Every time I watch him interact with his boys, I am filled with awe. I used to worry that he would work "too much" and miss the "moments" of the boys' childhood years. So it does my heart good to see him fishing with the boys, crabbing in the canal, playing basketball,(or baseball or soccer), enjoying a rousing game of UNO or Candyland, or just snuggling up watching a movie together. I am so proud of you, Kevin! Happy Father's Day!
Both of my grandfathers passed away when I was only a babe. So growing up, Kevin and I were surrounded by Great Uncles who filled in the gap. Granny's brothers: Uncle Joe, Uncle Robert, Uncle Eli, and Uncle Nelson were all special to us. But my Uncle Joe was probably the closest to being a grandfather figure to us. I have lots of memories of evenings spent eating Chef Boy R D pizza and watching Dukes of Hazard, Hee Haw and "Who Shot JR?" or fishing at Evas. Uncle Joe was a wonderful bluegrass musician playing the guitar and mandolin. Oh, and he was quite particular about just how his cut should be cut. But perhaps my most precious memories are the Sunday mornings I was privileged to take him and Aunt Dorothy to church. It was a sacrifice but I've never regretted the early mornings and long drives. Although sick and unable to drive himself, he still desired to worship and enjoy the sweet fellowship of being in church.
Being a good dad in this day and hour requires wisdom from above, a healthy dose of discipline, unending love and a great deal of patience. So to all the men reading my blog, whether a father or a son, I pray you will be honored this weekend.
But before I close this post, I must confess that although I am richly blessed, my life has been surrounded by those who were not and are not as fortunate to have a dad like mine. Maybe your father has passed away and the loss is deeply felt on this celebrated day. Or perhaps your dad has forsaken, failed and disappointed your family, abusing the title of Father, and you want to skip this day altogether. I would like to tell you of our Heavenly Father who sees just where you are today and He Cares for YOU! He is not one untouched by our cares but the One who bears our burdens. He not only wants to see you succeed and dream big, He has even bigger desires for you. He formed your life. He has been with you through every moment, through every tear and every heartache. I pray that you will not judge him by the choices of your earthly father but give him a chance to show you the love of a Real Father. I pray you will come to know Him as the One who loved you so much that He came, He died, He rose again and He has prepared a Place for You with Him for all Eternity.
May you find peace in the Saviour...until next time! "C"
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