Philippians 4:8 | Father Mine

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 radiates from you,
as you brave humbleness.

Respectable, your earthly ways -
too right to be ignored.
Character that I desire,
pervades our family cord.
Purity emerges -
deriving from your heart.
A cleanliness that Christ doth see!
A cherished 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 you, 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 – that the line in this poem made total sense. It will take tremendous bravery to face the inevitable humbleness that ALS will bring. My dad is the bravest person I know.

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This poem was featured in an art collaboration with Lioncub Creative