Читать книгу Longing for a Father - Michael Stahl - Страница 4

This book is about a part of my eventful life. Stories full of pain and grief, but also full of trust and devotion. This is also the story of a father about his father. Written for fathers and sons. In a world where more and more kids are growing up without fathers, or with fathers who do not have much time, it is difficult to talk about the best and most loving Father of all fathers. But I will dare to talk about God as a Father.

It is a love story!

In the First Commandment of the Bible, God introduces himself to us, saying, “I am the Lord, your God” (Exodus 20:2). I emphasize the words “I AM YOUR”.

That is nothing less than a declaration of love! If you have ever fallen in love, you know what I mean. We often close a love letter with “(I AM) YOURS.”

This book tells about a loving Father. Whoever discovers this Father for himself, will find his roots, his identity, and the true meaning of life. Join me on my journey and find meaning for your life.

Fathers must never forget that they are also sons—sons of their earthly fathers. If we want our own children to be good and strong, we should ask ourselves, are we also good children to our parents? Are we children who honor our father and mother, love them, and tell them we love them over and over again?

This book is a challenge. Look at the wounds that have been ‘beaten’ into you. There is a time for healing. What is good must prevail in this world again.

For that to happen, however, we have to change ourselves. We should know ourselves well. Who are we? Where do we come from? What is the meaning of life? And where will we go one day? We men always ask ourselves the same questions: Am I a real man? What is it that makes me a man? What about our longings and dreams? Are we good sons and good fathers ourselves?

Questions and more questions, which can only be answered by the one who created us. Longings that can only be fulfilled by the one who put them into our hearts. We often hear of ‘burn out.’ That means there once was a fire burning. The question is, who started the fire in the first place? And how do we keep it burning, or how do we reignite it?

Join me on my journey to my first hero, my own father. Walk along with me for a while through the dark valleys. Come with me to the place where I failed as a father. Hear about the miracles I was allowed to experience, and draw richly from the treasure contained therein for you.

Trust, even if it is hard for you. The fact that you are reading this book is no coincidence. It came into your hands because you are infinitely precious in the eyes of God the Father. I am sure that he wants to tell you something through these stories. Open the ears and eyes of your heart. It could be that even today your whole life will be changed. It is up to you and it is within you. You have the gift to be able to change the world.

Michael Stahl