Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Philippians 4:8

I’m the one who views in secret,
the way you truly are.
The way you really live your life,
not looking from afar.
I see a Father full of truth,
much different from the rest.
Nobleness is sent forth from you,
as you brave humbleness.

Respectable, your earthly ways,
too right to be ignored.
Character that I desire,
through our family cord.
Purity emerges,
deriving from your heart.
A cleanliness that Christ doth see,
it’s like a work of art.

Lovely are your gentle ways,
quite tender is your care.
Captivating, your love for mom,
a treasure we both share.
You’re a man to be admired,
esteemed, and adored.
Prized above a million men,
for this I praise the Lord.

The most excellent example,
of Christ’s sacrificial love.
The way you lay down your life,
for the ones you love.
A Father who’s so loving, 
so gentle, and so kind.
I’m thankful that our God saw fit,
to make you, Father mine.

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my inspiration

I wrote this poem for my dad, John Kennedy, for Father’s Day 2022. I remember contemplating the line, “Nobleness is sent forth from you, as you brave humbleness.” I went back and forth on the word brave. How and when would you need to brave humbleness? Yet, I felt it was right.

It wasn’t until we left Kansas University Medical Center on July 19, 2022 – with my dad’s diagnosis of ALS – the line in this poem made total sense. It was going to take a tremendous amount of bravery to face the inevitable humbleness that ALS would bring. My dad is the bravest person I know.

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This poem was featured in an art collaboration with Lioncub Creative