My Father Was A Sower

By John Blase | February 28, 2021 |

I don’t remember any of my father’s sermons.

Lord knows I’ve tried. Yet what I vividly retain

is his presence, and maybe that’s the better thing.

For there are those who preach and the words ring

wrong. But there are some whose words surrender

to God’s alchemy so that their very flesh and bones

become a witness to the Grace that keeps this world.

You see, my father was a sower—his golden hands

scattered seeds of good news like a man casting his

bread upon the waters with abandon, for my father

knew the tender mercies of the Lord in this living land

and longed for you and me to taste and see them too.

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18 Comments

  1. Tara on February 28, 2021 at 5:10 pm

    Thank you for the graced ache of these words and for how those seeds have made their way into the soil of my heart because of you.

    Reply
    • Sallie on February 28, 2021 at 6:09 pm

      Yes to Tara’s words ? Haven’t stop praying for you all.

      Reply
  2. Faith on February 28, 2021 at 5:33 pm

    Beautiful tribute to your wonderful father.

    Reply
  3. Lori Shaw on February 28, 2021 at 5:44 pm

    Wonderful words for a wonderful man.

    Reply
  4. Diana Trautwein on February 28, 2021 at 5:47 pm

    Though I never had the gift of meeting your father, I feel as though he is known to me through your words over the years. Thank you for this lovely addition to that volume of love, affection, admiration and regard.

    Reply
    • Terry Behimer on March 3, 2021 at 6:32 am

      I echo Diana’s thoughts. May your dad’s presence and God’s tender mercies bring you comfort.

      Reply
  5. Marilyn Yocum on February 28, 2021 at 5:48 pm

    A better thing cannot be said of a man.

    Reply
  6. Dr Lynn Schriner on February 28, 2021 at 6:09 pm

    I sensed you lost a beloved so I came to see your words. I am so sorry John. Losing a beloved Dad for me was the worst day of my life. I pray peace for you friend.

    Reply
  7. James Williams on February 28, 2021 at 6:55 pm

    John, you have followed the “honor your father” commandment really well as long as I’ve been reading your writing, and particularly lately. Your tween about him asking you to pick up flowers for your mom nearly moved me to tears. Thanks very much for this.

    Reply
  8. Lindsay Van Sicklen on February 28, 2021 at 7:05 pm

    John, Though I never met your Dad, the words you spoke at his Memorial service coupled with your poem spoke volumes. Prayers for you and yours.

    Reply
  9. Annie B on February 28, 2021 at 7:57 pm

    I am so sorry.

    Reply
  10. Jacky on February 28, 2021 at 8:02 pm

    Beautiful tribute, John. Honor carries on…

    Reply
  11. Gretchen on February 28, 2021 at 8:09 pm

    What a legacy he leaves behind in you.

    Reply
  12. Amy Boucher Pye on February 28, 2021 at 8:49 pm

    Thank you.

    Reply
  13. Virginia Hardin on February 28, 2021 at 9:10 pm

    We share your sorrow.

    Reply
  14. judy burke on February 28, 2021 at 10:53 pm

    What a wonderful Brother Dave was to the World, Father to you Boys, and awesome PawPaw. To his Rose they were entwined as one and shall be again Praise God. Prayers for each of you during this time as not easy and I guess if it were then Brother Dave, Cousin Dave would not be sower he truly was.
    Thank you all for sharing. Mom thought the world of him – could be because she was the only Girl for awhile between Aunt Nora and Mamaw Leon.

    Judy Burke

    Reply
  15. Ruth Ann Jacobs on March 1, 2021 at 10:36 am

    You did a wonderful job at the funeral. Your dad would be proud. He was a pastor to many communities and loved by all. I’ll keep Anna in my prayers.

    Reply
  16. Sherrey Meyer on March 9, 2021 at 5:14 pm

    So sorry. Prayers for you and your family.

    Reply

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