I'm in a season of life where both of my parents are no longer living. That makes Mother's Day and Father's Day different—tender, reflective, and bittersweet. I feel deep gratitude for their presence in my life and a quiet awareness of their absence.
Many of my friends are in this season, too, having recently lost a parent, and I crossed paths with one just this past week. As I comforted her, I shared something someone once said to me during my season of grief. At the time, it startled me, but it eventually brought deep peace. I was told, "When you lose both your parents, you realize you are an orphan."
I'll be honest—that word orphan shook me. It felt heavy; harsh, even. But over the years, I've come to see its truth—and its promise. We don't need to be scared by that word, orphan, but we do need to be prepared.
Before His crucifixion, Jesus told His disciples something extraordinary:
"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." —John 14:18 (ESV)
He knew their world was about to change, and His physical absence would feel like loss. But He also promised them—and us—a Comforter greater than even His earthly presence, a Father who never leaves, a Spirit who never forsakes.
So, while I miss my earthly father more than words can express, this Father's Day, I want to say: Happy Father's Day to my Heavenly Father.
This idea landed in my heart during a sermon last week. The pastor mentioned James—the half-brother of Jesus—and explained that James' father was Joseph, but Jesus' Father was God.
And I thought, what a powerful twist for Father's Day! Because in Christ, that's our Father, too. "But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God." —John 1:12 (ESV)
So, if you've never known your earthly father—or never truly known your Heavenly One—can I share some tremendous news? You don't have to stay fatherless. You can be adopted into the family of God in an instant. One decision, one invitation, one moment of belief, and you are His child.
A Prayer for Adoption
If you're ready to have your adoption papers sealed by the Holy Spirit and signed in grace, you can pray this simple prayer:
Father God, I want to know You. I've felt the ache of loneliness, but today, I open my heart and invite You in. I believe that Jesus is Your Son and that He died and rose again to make a way for me to be part of Your family. Forgive me, lead me, and adopt me as Your own. Thank You for loving me and never leaving me. Today, I say yes to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
And here's the Father's Day promise you can carry with you: This Father's Day, whether you're mourning, remembering, celebrating, or searching—know this:
You are not an orphan. You are His.
