A Father's Words

Photo by Gift Habeshaw on Unsplash

Hear, my children, the instruction of a father, And give attention to know understanding. -- Proverbs 4:1 (NKJV)

My father was an interesting man. He was also quite intelligent. I didn’t realize how much so until after he died.

Henry Finley grew up impoverished in Florida during the Great Depression. He and his brothers fished for food in lakes full of gators even though none of them could swim. He was an outstanding student, graduating from high school at the age of 15. He subsequently obtained a scholarship and a desperately needed job at Florida A&M University. It was there that he earned a bachelor’s degree and later served as both a professor and vice president.

Drafted into the military during the Korean War, my father was the only survivor of his platoon, transferred out because his skills were needed elsewhere. He later earned two master’s degrees in addition to a Ph.D. in economics from Indiana University—miraculous for a black man born in 1932. Daddy overcame numerous obstacles to build a better life. Still, he was always generous and hilariously funny.

However, one of the most important things my father ever did was share his advice with me. Though highly educated, he was a man of few words when it came to parenting. Nevertheless, his counsel would later fuel my success.

My father prioritized education. Both he and my mother escaped poverty by earning degrees. Consequently, he redirected my choice of college majors until I selected a degree in healthcare. I resented that as a teenager. Yet decades later, I am incredibly grateful.

He also taught me the value of good credit. “If you keep good credit, you can get whatever you need.” He shared his wisdom with me while I was in middle school, oblivious to what “credit” was. Again, his advice served me well.

And lastly, “find a spouse while you’re young.” I remember this statement coming out of nowhere and without explanation as I sat confused at the kitchen counter. Still, I did marry two years later. My husband and I have been together for nearly 35 years.

Daddy gave me advice based on his knowledge and experience. Even more so, our heavenly Father does the same. Good fathers look beyond the present to prepare their children for what lies ahead. Thankfully, Scripture and the Holy Spirit teach us how to circumvent trials and make choices that promote fruitful, abundant lives.

Unlike an earthly father, the Lord never leaves us. His wisdom and instruction are always available and without fault.

When we ask, God will answer.

Question for Reflection:

Is there a man who changed your life for the better? Give thanks for any wisdom, comfort, joy, or provision that blessed you.