A Tribute in Memory of My Dad: 8 Faith Lessons That Shaped My Life

Hey Sis!

As we enter 2025, I find myself in a place I never imagined. While I had plans for this first month of January, God had something different in mind. On New Year’s Eve, just before midnight, the Lord called my sweet Father home to heaven. He is now healed, whole, and in the presence of our Savior—what a tremendously glorious sight to imagine.

My Dad was not only an incredible father but a wonderful friend, and the main influence as to who I am today as a woman of God.

Since my Dad has been such a strong influence in my life, I want to honor him by sharing what I’ve learned from the faithful life he led. There’s no better way to honor him than to share these lessons with you—that was always his main focus in life.

Let me start with a biblical affirmation that reflected who my Dad was and how he viewed every day up to the end of his life here on earth:

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24

8 Faith Lessons I Learned from My Dad

1. Do Your Best

When I was in school, whenever I’d bring home a test or report card, my Dad would always ask: “Was this your best?”

In saying this, he taught me that I was expected to bring excellence wherever I went—to put my best foot forward. It gave me ownership of how I showed up in the world.

We don’t work for the praise or glory or recognition of others—as long as our heart is focused on pleasing God, the pressures of life begin to dissipate.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” – Colossians 3:23

2. Be Kind

Something people who knew my Dad keep sharing is how kind he always was to them—which I can fully confirm.

Being his daughter for almost four decades, I can say my Dad was the most kind person I’ve ever met. And I’m not just saying that because he’s my Dad.

As I’ve reflected on him, I’ve realized his kindness was unmatched. My Dad, a man of few words, had such a profound impact on so many through simple kindness.

“The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.'” – Jeremiah 31:3

3. Don’t Complain About Others

Complaining seems innocent until we align it with scripture, especially when complaining about other people.

In a house full of women, I’m sure there were many things my Dad thought—but chose never to say. It’s as though he followed what I often share: “Before you speak—think: Is it true, helpful, inspiring, necessary, or kind?”

That was my Dad. Looking at how our family communicates with each other now makes it clear how my Dad survived in a family full of ladies.

“Do not grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. For look—the Judge is standing at the door!” – James 5:9

Whenever I had an issue with someone in the family and shared it with my Dad, he never confronted immediately. He would always say, “I am praying for them and will continue to pray for them.”

And guess what? God typically worked it out before it would have ever been necessary for my Dad to say anything.

4. Express Gratitude Often

After being my Dad’s caretaker full-time for the past year, I’ve told people that if nobody in this world ever said “thank you” again, I’d be okay. One thing my Dad was always sure to do—even up to the point when he lost his voice—was express gratitude for anything I did for him.

And not only would he thank me, but he would begin each day thanking the Lord.

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

5. Parents: Let Your Children See Your Relationship with the Lord

My Dad wasn’t big on preaching to us or having lots of sit-down conversations, but how he lived reflected Christ through him.

We had weekly devotionals on Saturdays as a family—something that deeply shaped my relationship with the Lord and influenced this blog. Even though they became less frequent after my sister passed away, those 5-6 years we did them shaped my life forever.

As I grew up, I remember seeing my Dad reading the Bible in the mornings whenever I’d wake up early. I witnessed his routine and the importance he placed on scripture.

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6

Recently, I went through text messages from my Dad from about 6-7 years ago and saw how he incorporated the Lord in just about every message. I didn’t always respond to what he was saying word for word—I’d typically tell him I loved him and continue with my day.

But as I was reading those messages, I realized those were seeds being planted. Even if your children don’t acknowledge or seem to get it—those seeds are taking root.

6. Allow God to Be Your Default

Even when he couldn’t get out of bed, my Dad thanked God for waking him up and for health and strength.

All the years prior to his illness, he had set himself up for these difficult moments that were to come.

7. Share the Lord with Everyone You Know

It doesn’t always have to be vocal—my Dad was quite introverted and mostly kept to himself—but when people would meet him, they’d often say they felt seen and loved.

As you grow closer to God, as you stay in the word, pray, and fill yourself with that time—the love and light of God will naturally flow through you.

People were able to see Jesus in him. Because he treated others with love and respect, when it came time to share Jesus with them, they were better able to receive it—not because of what he said, which was always kind, but because he was a true vessel for the Lord.

8. Trust God at All Times—His Heart for Us Is Good

In moments of uncertainty or trial, because of the relationship he had with Jesus, what flowed out of Dad was always faith, truth, encouragement, grace, and love—that only God could have spoken through his heart.

The Legacy Continues

The saddest thing about no longer having my Dad earthside is that there are so many people—new people who I know God will bring into my life—who will never get the opportunity, actually the privilege, to meet his beautiful soul.

That’s what hurts my heart most. Future husband, children, friends… they’re going to miss out on the most humble, caring, genuine, non-judgmental, laid-back, and loving person I’ve ever known.

However, one thing I know for certain is that his legacy will live through me. I’ve decided I will take the torch and run the race set before me in his memory.

My Dad was blessed to have lived a long, beautiful life. Of course, it wasn’t perfect—none of our lives are, and that isn’t the promise. The promise we are guaranteed when we give our hearts to Jesus is that He will prepare a space for us in heaven for eternity:

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am… I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:1-3,6

What’s given me immense peace in this season—and I’m talking about that indescribable and unexplainable peace that makes no sense given such a tremendous loss—is the fact that I know my Father put his faith in a perfect Savior, in Jesus. And I know that on that New Year’s Eve, my Dad was welcomed into the arms of Jesus into paradise for eternity. What a way to start 2025.

What faith lessons have you learned from someone special in your life? Share in the comments below—I’d love to hear about the people who have shaped your spiritual journey.