A Father’s Day Story of Service and Joy
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 NIV
On this Father’s Day, as the U.S. Army marks its 250th birthday, my heart turns to my father, a WWII sergeant who went home to the Lord in August 1974 at age 55. His Bronze Star and WWII medals, now framed in a shadow box, testify to a courage he seldom spoke of. Like many of the Greatest Generation, he kept quiet about his service overseas, never sharing how he earned the Bronze Star or rose to sergeant in under two years. But his life shouted his faith—love for God, family, and country shaped everything he did. Growing up in Tennessee near the Smoky Mountains, I saw Jesus in his quiet strength, and I miss him every day, striving to walk in his footsteps.
Dad’s love was a gift from God. He and my mother, high school sweethearts, shared 33 years of marriage, their bond a living picture of Christ’s love for His church. He also poured that love into us girls, never leaving without a playful quip like, “No if’s nor buts, I’ve got to leave you nuts!”—always with a grin that warmed our hearts. His surprises were pure joy: he’d come home from working on Southern Railways as a conductor, where his train crew respected his godly fairness, and say, “Pack your bags—we’re off to the beach!” or “Let’s go fishin’!” Trips to bowl or play golf knit us closer as a family. On one drive to Florida, my sister and I were fussin’, and I’d asked “Are we there yet?” one too many times. Dad’s patience was wearin’ thin, so I piped up in my best frog voice, echoin’ a line from an old comedy—maybe Our Gang—“What’s the matter, mister, don’t you like kids?” His laughter filled the car, a reminder of his grace. He listened to us like our words were gold, and I only saw him argue with Mama once—their love and our home was like a scene from Father Knows Best.
In my forthcoming books, From Ashes to God and Hard Hitting Stories of a Hard Hit People by Ryan G. Dingus, I share how family history and faith anchor us through trials. His life taught me that love is our strength, service is our calling, and joy is God’s gift.
As the scripture says:
“Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.”
Proverbs 4:1 NIV
Today, I pass on his story, praising God for a father who showed me Jesus in every grin and surprise. How has your father’s faith shaped you? Let’s lift up our fathers in prayer this Father’s Day.
