A Tribute to You Dad (from Memorial Service program)

By Isabel Tom

I used to joke with Dad and tell him that my poor vision was because of him.  He would shake his head, chuckle and always deny it.  Through a consistent and daily submission to God, Dad has passed down to me so much more than his looks, his mannerisms and yes, his poor vision.  He didn’t give me a sermon and he never nagged or even gave me persistent reminders.  He walked humbly with God and taught me the most tiring way.  He walked the walk and he walked it even to his last days.

Me, Maddie and Dad

With an adventurous and energetic wife and three feisty girls, my dad has had a lot to “endure” throughout his life.  On my end, I’ve never been afraid to argue with pastors and in my teenage years, I gave him little respect. I resented his decision to become a pastor and wasn't afraid to give him a piece of my mind.  In return for my bitterness, Dad has always loved me and given me affection, even when I would brush away his hugs and shrug his hands off my shoulders.  When I’ve criticized, argued and vented, he listened to me and let me have the last word. He never retaliated or fought back. He never threatened me to behave or told him I needed to respect him more.  He never reminded me that I needed to be appreciate him for his patience with me.  And he never even murmured, rolled his eyes or sighed out of frustration because of my immaturity.  He strategically had me memorize Proverbs 15:1 as a kid, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”  And in his mind, I’m sure he prayed and prayed and prayed.
Through his continual prayers and his life, God has used my dad to win me over to Christ.  What would life be like if I didn't have my hope in the Lord?  I praise God that I too can be with God one day and that I have joy, hope and purpose from an awesome God.  God's timing is perfect and his ways are best.

Dad, people may say I look like you on the outside, but my prayer is that I would develop the same heart for God that you had on in the inside.  I look forward to the day that I get to see you again.  Breathe well. Walk freely. Eat with ease. Garden. Smile a lot.  Jump rope for God's sake!  And break lent in heaven.

I love you so so so much, Dad.