Embracing Gods Heart When Father’s Day Hurts

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With Father’s Day right around the corner, I know that for many of us, this holiday doesn’t come with the picture-perfect, Hallmark-card feelings. Instead, it can bring a quiet, heavy ache.

If you look at your family tree and see brokenness, missing pieces, or complicated relationships, I want you to know right now: you are not alone.

As a homeschool mom who has graduated eight of my children and is currently navigating the high school years with my final two, I spend a lot of time thinking about legacies. We want so desperately to give our kids a perfect foundation. But the truth of living in a fallen world is that human fathers—even the ones who try their best—will eventually fail us. And sometimes, the ones who were supposed to protect us leave the deepest wounds.

For years, I dreaded Father’s Day. My own “father story” was a complicated patchwork of step-fathers and long silences. I didn’t even meet my biological father until I was 27 years old. For a long time, our relationship was limited and awkward. But God is a healer of broken hearts. In the years before my dad passed away, He paved the way for a beautiful, sweet redemption. I was blessed to be right there by his side, holding his hand when he went home to be with the Lord.

I experienced that same tender mercy when my dear grandmother passed away, too. Looking back at those seasons of loss, but also of deep peace, I am reminded that even when our earthly stories are messy, our Heavenly Father is constantly weaving a tapestry of grace.

What a Messy Family Tree Taught Me About Grace

When I look back at the men who crossed my path growing up, I realize that God allowed me to learn valuable lessons from each one of them—even from their shortcomings.

• From my biological dad, I learned the value of people. He sold insurance and truly loved his clients, treating them as dear friends. He taught me to listen to people’s stories.
• From my second step-dad, who chose a life of isolation, I learned a sobering truth about stewardship: if you live only for yourself and refuse to serve others, your world becomes very small and lonely.
• From my third step-dad, who chose control over connection, I saw how much we miss out on the unique gifts others have to offer when we try to force our own way.

If you are homeschooling through a season of family brokenness, or if you are trying to explain a difficult grandfather relationship to your children, take heart. God can use even the fractured pieces of our lives to teach our children about His boundaries, His truth, and His redemptive power.

Turning Our Eyes to the Perfect Father

For a long time, my mind and heart had a hard time fully comprehending what a perfect father looked like. But when our earthly fathers fall short, it opens up a beautiful, sacred space for us to experience the true Father-heart of God.

Our Heavenly Father never rejects us. He never leaves us behind because of an awkward situation, and He never lets us down.

“Father to the fatherless, defender of widows—this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy.” — Psalm 68:5-6

As homeschool parents, the greatest gift we can give our kids is to point them past our own human frailties and straight to the arms of God. When my own heart was hurting, God was so faithful to bring godly male role models into my life to show me His care. I think of my grandfather, whose love I never once doubted. I think of my wonderful father-in-law, who would literally knock on my door during rough times and say, “God sent me over to pray for you.” And I think of my amazing husband, John, who has been a true gift and a joyful reflection of a father’s love to our ten children.

Friend, if Father’s Day brings up more pain than joy for you this year, let this be the day you pray a new prayer. Ask God to show you His true Father-heart. Lean into His infinite love and let Him fill the empty holes in your soul.

A Father’s Day Prayer for the Healing Heart

Heavenly Father, I lift up the mom or dad reading this whose heart feels a little heavy as Father’s Day approaches. Lord, You see the complicated relationships, the empty chairs, and the hurts from the past. Thank You that You are the perfect Father. Thank You that Your love is not limited by human weakness. Wrap my friend in Your healing peace today. Show them Your true Father-heart—a heart of absolute safety, unconditional love, and infinite grace. Help us to lead our children to find their ultimate identity in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Don’t Miss This Opportunity!

Sending our kids out into the world is one of the hardest acts of trust we face as parents. We spend years praying over them, guiding them, and hoping they make choices that honor the Lord. When it comes time for them to take that next big step toward college, that surrender feels even heavier. We desperately want our children to step into a community that nurtures their faith rather than tears it down.

That is exactly why I am so grateful for Colorado Christian University.

At Colorado Christian University, they offer more than just an outstanding education. They provide a steadfast foundation of biblical truth. Their professors are committed to mentoring students and helping them view their choices in career paths through the lens of a Christian worldview.

Whether your teen is looking forward to experiencing campus life or your family is exploring online dual-credit options through Colorado Christian University Academy to get a head start, you can have peace of mind knowing your student is in an environment that values what you value.

Trusting an unknown future to a known God is a daily surrender. Partnering with a university that shares your family’s core convictions makes that transition just a little bit easier.

Colorado Christian University is offering a special scholarship right now:

• $10,000 and $5,000 Grand Prize Scholarships
• A $1,000 scholarship for all other eligible entrants just for entering.

Enter the Colorado Christian University Spring 2026 Scholarship Contest by June 12 for your chance to win a scholarship to complete your degree 100% online at Colorado Christian University. This contest is for new students only.

Explore the opportunity and embrace your next chapter here!