Pastor Barry Braun

Sunday, June 20, 2010

I read this story in a magazine and it relates to fatherhood. Obviously we are going to celebrate Father’s Day this coming Sunday at New Harvest. My emphasis in the message will be about the significance of marriage. This story is somewhat humorous . . . I think.

A father passed by his son’s bedroom, astonished to see the bed was nicely made, and everything was picked up. Then, he saw an envelope, propped up prominently on the pillow. It was addressed, “Dad.” With the worst premonition, he opened the envelope and read the letter, with trembling hands. “Dear Dad, It is with great regret and sorrow that I am writing you. I had to elope with my new girlfriend because I wanted to avoid a scene with Mom and you. I have been finding real passion with Stacy, and she is so nice, but I knew you would not approve of her because of all her piercings, tatoos, her tight motorcycle clothes and because she is much older than I am. But it is not only the passion, Dad. She is pregnant. Stacy said that we will be very happy. She owns a trailer in the woods and has a stack of firewood for the whole winter. We share a dream of having many more children.”

“Stacy has opened my eyes to the fact that marijuana doesn’t really hurt anyone. We will be growing it for ourselves and trading it with the other people in the commune for all the cocaine and ecstasy we want. In the meantime, we will pray that science will find the cure for AIDS, so Stacy can get better. She sure deserves it. Don’t worry, Dad, I am fifteen and I know how to take care of myself. Someday I am sure we will be back to visit so that you can get to know your many grandchildren.  Love your son, John”

“P.S. Dad, the above story is not true. I am over at Tommy’s house. I just wanted to remind you that there are worse things in life than the school report card that is on my desk. I love you. Call when it is safe to come home.”

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