Melissa Bell

Psalm 68:5; John 3:16; Matthew 19:14; Songs of Solomon 4:7

Father’s Day is often a joyous occasion, but for some, it can be a reminder of an empty place in their lives.  I can remember not too long ago when Father’s Day was a day that I dreaded.  A gaping hole left by death, divorce, deployment…

After my divorce, I recall being the only mom sitting at the table of men when my son’s preschool had “Donuts with Dad.”  I found myself letting my daughter skip school events that revolved around dads to avoid the inevitable awkwardness and emotional rollercoaster that would ensue.  At night, I would fight back tears as I snuggled my children to sleep and struggled to answer their questions about why their dad could not be there.

Perhaps you are someone whose earthly father fell short of your expectations.  First and foremost, recognize that you are not to blame.  You are not responsible for someone else’s actions, however, you are responsible for your response.

Forgiveness may be tough, but it is necessary for your healing and well-being. Holding onto anger is like drinking poison but hoping the other person will suffer the effects.

Or perhaps your children have been disappointed by their earthly father.  The same principles apply as well; one of the greatest gifts you can give your children is to forgive their father.

If your children are facing a fatherless Father’s Day, I want to encourage to not give up!  The days are long and hard when you are trying to fill a void that you weren’t meant to fill.

Reach out to people around you and don’t let pride get in the way of asking for help.  Many are willing to help, they may just not know how.  Let them make your family dinner or allow trusted friends to take your kids to the park — we were meant to live in community.

This Father’s Day, take a moment to look up and remember that we have a perfect, heavenly Father who gave His one and only Son so that we could spend eternity with Him.  He is a Father to the fatherless and a Defender of widows.  No matter where you have been or what you have done, God is reaching out his arms to you and saying, “Come to me my beautiful darling, there is no flaw in you.”

Psalm 68:5

A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows,
    is God in his holy dwelling.

John 3:16

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Matthew 19:14

14 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Matthew 11:28

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Songs of Solomon 4:7

You are altogether beautiful, my darling;
    there is no flaw in you.

Born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida, Melissa is drawn to the ocean and powered by the sun! When she moved to NC over a decade ago she fell in love with the scenery and a handsome man’s southern drawl. Together they have four children and live in Apex, NC. She adores antiques and spends her downtime in the workshop painting and refurbishing furniture.

Her enthusiasm for women’s ministry came from her own soul searching, trying to figure out who she was in Christ, what she is called to do with that, and how it all fits into this crazy world. She is a gatherer of people and believes in new beginnings. Melissa’s goal is for each woman she encounters to feel as though she is seen, heard, and has a place to belong. She hopes that her transparency of life and all of its challenges will help others see that we are not the only ones fighting the fight, and we don’t have to do it alone. Melissa enjoys empowering women to take a leap of faith…or giving them a little push!

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