Childhood, parents, siblings, grandparents, “kinfolks,” and even strangers leave their imprints on our lives. Realizing that God uses all related experiences with these “imprinters” to help mold us or grow us can eliminate a lot of questions we might otherwise have about life.

God meant for earthly fathers to be our initial “imprinters” and the spiritual leaders in the home. Joshua in the Old Testament certainly accepted that role when he made it clear that he and his family would serve the Lord. It’s God’s pattern, and like all of His patterns, it is a successful pattern for the family. I’m thankful that my earthly father used God’s pattern for his family.

I never remember going to bed wringing my hands or wondering if some thief might break in and hurt us during my childhood nights. As long as I knew my daddy was asleep beside Mother in their bedroom across the hall, fears never took root in my heart.

The spring storms with the Tallahatchie floods were a part of every year. Sometimes tornadoes were a potential threat. During those stormy events, I would watch Daddy walk from window to window, surveying the skies. He was my first known meteorologist and a great one. As long as Daddy followed the storms I knew he would know when to take us to a safe place. Daddy took the threat out of storms.

When it was time for a new school year to begin, he and Mother would take us to Memphis to shop. For me, that was the “mecca” of shopping joys. I realized later that they never shopped for themselves. They were always sacrificial in their giving to their children.

I never remember going to bed hungry. Daddy was our provider and I never once felt a need to ask him if we would have to skip a meal. Three meals a day were as routine as the sun rising and setting.

Daddy taught me to tithe by instruction and example. My childhood income was less than limited, but I knew every dollar I called mine meant a dime of it was to go in the offering plate. Because of Daddy, I learned that you can never out give God, even with limited income. It was wise on Daddy’s part to teach me that I could always depend on God when I trusted Him with my finances.

Whoever prescribed castor oil as a cure for congestion is still on my “list!” During winter months, that thick gook would be pulled from the medicine cabinet for home treatments. Daddy would sit it on the hearth to warm by the fire while Mother would get the largest tablespoon in the kitchen drawer. I wanted to balk, refuse the horrible dose, but Daddy either administered it or watched as Mother’s backup. I always partook of my dose! I would learn in later years that medicines may be painful, but necessary. Daddy knew that.

The family unit is in crisis today. Many fathers have neglected the role of spiritual leader. As a result, children reach in wrong directions for love, security, instruction and provision. A godly father makes it so easy for children to grasp the love and care of our Heavenly Father. My daddy knew that.

Camille Anding