‘FATHER’ IS A VERB

We celebrated Father’s Day at Redeemer Church London yesterday with three services, during which we prayed for and honoured the men within our community.

As part of this, our resident poet STEVE PAGE read out these wonderful words to help us reflect on why God is the ultimate example for us in how to be a father. Here is his poem in full:

‘Father’ is a verb.

Let me explain:

Father's Day and Father Christmas have tried to convince us, but don't be fooled: you can, may or will father depending on your mood - for ‘father’ is a verb.

It only works in the transitive: you can't father alone, only in relationship. It doesn't resent hospital trips and offers wrap-a-round comfort when a partnership splits.

It's touch-line volume drowns out all rivals and belly laughs come standard with jokes on recycle.

Yes, ‘father’ is a verb.

It's something you do despite the hour, it drives right on through the night when life’s gone sour. It'll hammer ten fingernails to get the job done. It’ll dance, heedless of decorum, forgetting reputation (with an ill-suited hat on).

It turns manliness into awesome-men-ness; to strength alone it adds a dose of gentleness, yes, ‘father’ is a verb.

It works in the singular: I can father; you can father. But it also works in the plural: we can father and they can father, because you see in this village it’s a joint activity - we father (and we mother) collaboratively.

It works best in the present tense, happening now, not ‘Later!’ It can be said in a gentle voice or something even quieter.

Sometimes active: directive, protecting. But often responsive:

just sitting, listening;

holding and hugging.

It responds to need you see, but works best proactively and works greater sacrificially.

For example, though it costs him dearly, God fathers us and through us daily. And one day, suit pressed, He’ll proudly walk with the bride of Christ.

And as Father of the bride, He’ll host the party and blow the price

with the biggest bar bill ever.

and at that heavenly feast

we’ll be sure to save at least one dance

for Father.

Oh yes, you heard - ‘father’ is a verb.