My Heavenly Father is Rich and So is My Earthly One
By: Toni Tucker
Click thumbnail to view full-sizeAnd Ode to My Dad!
Who doesn't like money? There are those who take a vow of poverty, some Priests, Monks, nuns, others. The Bible says that, "Money answers all things." So, vow of poverty, I'm not taking it. Although my financial situation is not at all where I'd had hoped it to be at three years shy of 50. I can be thankful that the Lord has preserved me, keeps me young and spry, and pure. And that his promises to me to marry and have children have yet to be fulfilled and I eagerly await until his promises are brought into fruition for the right man to say "I Do" to.
I graduated from college, worked in my field as a Journalist, and I continue to do so by writing news articles from time to time online and for other publications. If you've read my hub "Ready to Soar!," you'd get a solid understanding of my background, my early days as a child growing up in the church and how I worked in my profession as a former Television Host/Producer for CBS-TV in Chicago, also as a Radio Host, and as a News Reporter for BET. God blessed my right off the bat! He has always blessed me. Even when I wasn't faithful in my tithing. Just think how much more I could have excelled financially if I had always been obedient to his word! I am going to start a new resolution from my heart and become a real tither and giver. I love and trust God, so what's the problem? Lack of faith, afraid that he want come through? Afraid that I'll get so behind on my responsibilities that I will be overwhelmed by bills? Why not give God my whole Heart? I'm going to be obedient to God!
My mother and father divorced when I was a very young child. My Mother then met and married my step-dad. This was a year or two after the Rev. Gilbert saga, read my ("When I Accepted Jesus" and "The Escape hubs"). My step-dad whom I affectionately call my dad outside of my grandfather has been a significant role model in my life. He was a hard worker, before he married my mother when I was eleven years old, he asked my older sister and I if we wanted to take on his last name, he adopted us. We decided to keep our biological fathers last name, besides, I liked the name Toni Tucker. Kinda has a ring to it doesn't it? Although Lord knows I'll be ecstatic to take on my husband's last name. When I finally get married, that is. My step-dad took my older sister and I into his life and into his heart, and instilled great values and a strong sense of character in us. Till this day, he always talks about "The Golden Rule" do unto others as you would have them do unto you and what "the good book says." He is a man of integrity!
My Heavenly father is rich, he owns the cattle on a thousand hills, he created the earth and the fullness thereof. The Psalmist really gives testimony to the Glory and Majesty of God! He made the Heavens, the Universe and all the other millions of daily discovered galaxies and beyond. God is awesome. Excellent, Handsome, beautify, glorious, smart, witty, savvy, marvelous, loving and just - terrific! He is rich too! He made the diamonds of the earth, the coal from which they are formed, the mines in which the are found, the rubies, emeralds, gold, the pearls, amethyst, and every other conceivable jewel there is to be found. The riches and the secret riches of God are exponential!
My earthly father, my step-dad, dad is a wealthy man as well. He is wealthy in wisdom, love, a listening ear, generous in providing direction, and security. Although he is rich in money, I have learned to not bogge him with my matters, but to work them out myself. That's what he instilled in me. But, it's good to know he's always there for support, if I need it. What's way more important to me are his rich words of wisdom, pearls of concern, and mostly love. And although I don't get to see him alot, I know I'm in his heart.
I've have never asked any man for money. Even when I was in my early twenties and engaged twice, I never asked my ex fiancees for anything. They didn't have much to offer either. But I am sure they are doing fine and hopefully after all these years at a better place financially. I am so glad that I have learned to pay my bills, as best I can. Work hard, and become an independent woman who has never relied on a man for finances even when I desperately needed the funds! I call my dad every once in awhile and wish him well. I pray that his eyes are opened to the eyes of Jesus, and for his continued good health and mental and spiritual stability. He is a one of a kind! The last of the Mohawk-ins as they say. I just thank God for my Heavenly father and the earthly father that he has given me to love. I can go to my Heavenly Father and ask him boldly for anything according to his word and he will grant it, I can also call my dad if I need to, and he will grant it if it's within reason. I do go to my Heavenly Father, but, I want my stepfather to know that I love him for him and not his money. He knows me and understands my reasoning and heart. Only a Father could!
My grandmother (Miz Love) used to honor my grandfather all the time at my former home church in Chicago. Every-time she spoke, or preached, she would began with thanking God first, praising Jesus for the opportunity to be able to inspire, and then she'd say, "and I give recognition to my husband, "The Honorable Deacon William Love!" That she did for decades. Everybody appreciated her reverence towards her husband and it always got a good welcoming laugh, her recognition of my grandfather never grew old. It was so endearing and loving. And, yes, my grandparents last name was Love! And indeed they showed it outwardly and privately. What a loving, Godly couple, man and wife they were. Married for nearly 67 years too. And it is with pleasure that I can at least honor my earthly father!
Love your dads people, yes, I know you love our Heavenly dad, but if you still have a father, grandfather, or guardian, or whomever God has placed in your lives as a covering. Call him and tell him how much you love him and thank God for him. It will make his day, and make you feel rich inside.
Just some love towards my 'dad' from his little girl. I love you dad!
Toni