A UNIT OF THE GALA FOUNDATION

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

HONOR THY FATHER

By Irving Serrano Sr

 There once was a man. He stood about five foot six, but in my eye`s He must have been ten feet tall.  There was never a question He could not answer. To hear the word no, was seldom heard. He would give a stranger His last dollar, as if He had it like that. When anyone needed His help, He was always there. Willing to help, no matter the circumstances.  He always had a bright smile, and a cheerful spirit.  I remember walking with Him. His hands seemed so huge, I could only latch on to two fingers. This man was my Father.  Even when He found himself in a difficult situation. Such as running out of gas along a high way, or finding out the car battery was dead, after sitting through a late night church service. He would patiently roll up His sleeves and pull out some tools, to address the problem.    As I grew older, I remember still taking them walks with Him to get gas in a can, or hike back to the house to get another vehicle.  All the while He would whistle a tune.   Truly a mans man. Charismatic and charming. He always spoke cleanly, and eloquently.  He could always make you smile, because He would surprise you with a joke. Some how He made the corny jokes funny as well.      He Fathered seven Son`s, and three Daughters.  I am certain that each one of His Children, can remember or hold dear to their hearts, lesson`s learned from their Father.  A Veteran of World war two. Anyone would proudly sit with Him for hours, as He could tell you stories. He always gave testimony of His relationship with Jesus Christ.   Both He, and my Mother would quote the Bible, especially when they wanted to drive their point home.  These teachings, are lessons to be cherished and never forgotten.  There is never a day that goes by without me repeating something I`v heard my Father say. Today I am a Father of five, and a Grand-Father of five. If I feel blessed, it`s because I learned to yield to the teachings of my Father. If I am gentle and loving with my Wife. It is because I learned how to respect woman, from my Father. If I feel blessed today, It`s because I learned to pray to the God of my Father.   Let me ask you to imagine that you are a Child, holding the hand of your Father. His hand covers yours, and you feel His protection.  He is so much bigger than you are. He is gripping you tightly, because He does`nt want to loose you. He dose`nt want any harm to come to you. Because that too, is good for you. He can see you.  Just imagine as you hold His hand, where His eyes are. He can see across the street. He can see what lies ahead. He can see where dangers are, and He can shield you from them. Imagine His vision, and realise how limited your vision is.  Understanding that a Child holding a Fathers hand. It takes very little effort to hold on, because it is the Fathers hand that is holding the Child's hand. Imagine how much the owner of that hand loves you. How He cares for your every need. Even those that you don`t realise that you have. How His grip is a confirmation of how you are tenderly loved with a strength beyond your own understanding. Realise that if a great danger were heading your way, how He would push you out of the way, and sacrifice His life so that you may live. My friends, if you are struggling today to keep from drowning, if you need a healing restorative touch, won`t you grab unto the Hand that He extends to you. Raise your hands in worship. Use your hands to flip the pages in Gods word, the Bible. Clasp your hands together in prayer. Grab the hand of God. He will never let you go.  You know when Peter started to sink, after walking on water. He called out to Jesus, who extended His hand and helped peter back unto the safety of the boat. (Matt 14: 31)  When Jesus raised a Little girl from the dead, He took her by the hand  and said; " My child, get up". (Luke 8:54).  Jesus took the hand of a boy, lifted him to his feet and cast out demons that plagued him. (Mark 9o:27)  Peter`s Mother- in- law was in bed with a fever, but when Jesus touched her hand, she got up and started to serve. (Mathew 8:15)  Christ steps into your life, He knocks. Its time to let Him in. Christ extends His hand, its time to take hold. Latch on to your Father God. He will not let go. May God bless you.              Love always, Irving Serrano Sr.