Blood and water
Update: Dad passed away on January 15, 2012; he had gone into the nursing home in December of 2010, just months after this picture was taken. If you have the means, consider making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association to support research to find a prevention/cure for a disease that takes the mind long before it takes the body.
The old saying that blood is thicker than water means that biological family bonds are stronger than other types of relationships. Marriage, naturally, trumps blood since a new family is created. And sometimes marriage creates ready-made families that develop ties as strong or stronger than the ties found in biological families. On this beautiful Good Friday in Oklahoma, I’ve been reflecting on the strength of the bonds formed between individuals and God via the blood of Jesus on the cross. And I’ve also been thinking of the bonds in my own life that have formed over the years between my stepfather and myself. These are bonds that go far beyond those of casual friendship; these are truly blood bonds born of a shared life, shared love, and shared memories. My stepfather may not remember the names of my sweethearts from years past; but upon seeing a photo of one particular young man, he remembers the guy as the boy who broke my heart. This emotional tie is stronger than any tie birthed in nature. It is true blood and true love.
And so, on Good Friday, I remember all the little things done for me by my stepfather (my “dad”) and all the big things done for me by my Heavenly Father.
Dad on the porch in South Carolina April 1, 2010
Amy Jo Garner
writer, educator, pastor
Amy Jo Garner is a spiritual mentor who specializes in helping people grow closer to the Divine in their daily lives. She writes on matters of faith, is the Director of Education at a local college, and mentors online and in-person.
Amy Jo is a graduate of Northwest Nazarene University with a MA in Religion-Pastoral Ministry and is currently pursuing a doctorate in Adult Education at Walden University. Before answering the call ministry and education, she graduated from the University of South Carolina with a BA in English and a MA in Journalism. She is a member of Christians for Biblical Equality, Spiritual Directors International, and Phi Beta Kappa.
