Last night, I called Baba in Egypt to wish him a Happy Father’s Day. He was excited I called (because he forgot to tell me he was going to Egypt for the summer) because he had forgotten it was Father’s Day. Of course, we ended up having our usual political and religious conversation. I then spoke with my older cousin Mohamed, a father of five, whom I consider a father figure.
After all the phone calls last night between Egypt and California (my poor phone bill), I feel asleep in awe of how something as simple as a phone call can uplift someone’s spirits. I feel asleep reflecting on all the amazing fathers I know.
I had written on a similar reflection back in 2009, Praises for Fathers, the first Father’s Day after the passing of our Amuh Ibrahim.
This year, my little brother became a father for the first time to beautiful baby Salem. He has made us uncles and aunties for the first time too. And boy do we have giant footsteps to follow…
Baba’s relentless struggles to do all that he could for his children.
Mama’s simple amazement of being both a mother and father to her children.
The uncle’s dedication to pave a life long path for my cousins, siblings and I.
The cousin’s unity, many of whom are both fathers and uncles to amazing children of their own.
I know my siblings and I have a lot to learn from you. And for that, I thank you. I pray you all had a great day of celebration on this highlighted day of celebrating the gratitude we hold for the blessing that is you, every day.
We define love as certain acts or actions taken rather than character traits exhibited. We tend to do things to prove we love rather than do things because we are love. Our concept of love is for the most part very shallow and self focused. Even when we give, for the most part, it is about what we will receive as a result that motivates us and not for the joy of being able to give. Thus the difference between God and us. God’s Love is a love that makes us feel secure no matter our activities (like a mother’s unconditional affection and care) and it is also a love that teaches us to function, be responsible, and cope with problems that come at us in the existing fallen world (like a father should in real life). In reality God’s love completes us and reveals His nature to the world through who we are and what we do. It’s existence and function are one. If I am a son of honor I reveal my father’s character and attributes, because of his role in my life.
I couldn’t agree more. And very beautifully said!!
The White House has partnered with a number of other Federal Departments to promote programs, resources and activities that support fathers in local communities.
LUK 6:20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. LUK 6:21 Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. LUK 6:22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. LUK 6:23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.
Tell Samy that I love him and miss him. The asshole never returns my texts!
I will as soon as he returns mine…
Reblogged this on Ms. Hala and commented:
I wrote this rant four years ago, when my little brother Samy first became a father. This father’s day, I think of my father and his father before him, and what they have done so that we can lead the lives we have today. I’m forever grateful to our fathers, our father figures and our single mothers for being there for us, always.
God bless you, on earth and in heaven, today and always!