Subscribe
Latest Activity
-
About
Dr. Del Tackett is the author, architect and teacher for Focus on the Family's The Truth Project, a nationwide initiative designed to bring the Christian worldview to the body of Christ.
-
By Month
- August 2010
- July 2010
- June 2010
- May 2010
- April 2010
- March 2010
- February 2010
- January 2010
- December 2009
- November 2009
- October 2009
- September 2009
- August 2009
- July 2009
- June 2009
- May 2009
- April 2009
- March 2009
- February 2009
- January 2009
- December 2008
- November 2008
- October 2008
- September 2008
- August 2008
- July 2008
- June 2008
- May 2008
- April 2008
- March 2008
- February 2008
- January 2008
- December 2007
- November 2007
- October 2007
- September 2007
- August 2007
- July 2007
- June 2007
- May 2007
- April 2007
Links
Our Faith is Not an Emotion
Posted on January 22, 2008
Filed Under Personal, Worldview |
Yesterday was an emotional day for me. I really didn’t expect it to be. It just happened.
The lady on the other end of the phone line was telling me that Dad’s death certificate was ready to be picked up at the funeral home. But, both of us knew it meant more than that. Not only would I be picking up his death certificate, but I would also receive his cremated remains.
Dad wanted to be “buried” at sea…in the Gulf of Mexico. I will honor that request this summer, after our family gathers together for a delayed memorial service. He loved the ocean, living for many years on the southern coast of Puerto Rico and many more near the Gulf in Harlingen, Texas. He maintained a boat and a little “fishing shack”, as he called it, at Port Mansfield. To some extent, this love was a little strange to me. My fondest memories of Dad were growing up in Idaho, hunting and camping in the mountains, fishing for trout in the rivers and creeks of the Sawtooth Range or the Bitterroots, the Blackfoots, or the Lemhi. Only after we left Idaho for Puerto Rico did I begin to learn of his love for the sea. He was a World War II veteran and spent the entire war battling on one south sea island after another. His love for Australia was formed by his time spent near the Great Barrier Reef.
But that was my Dad. He was at home in a saddle, on the back of a horse high in the Salmon River Mountains, or behind the wheel of a fishing boat in the rough seas of the Gulf of Mexico.
I was thinking about all of that when the funeral director arrived and handed me Dad’s remains. I was surprised at the weight. I guess I was thinking that it would be much lighter. But those thoughts were then interrupted by a very kind lady who handed me a package containing the death certificates. She needed for me to verify that all of the information was correct and then sign for them.
I sat down, opened the package, and began to read the words on the death certificate. Yes, that was his name. That was his birth date and his birth place. I confirmed that his mom’s name, Grayce, was spelled correctly and then his dad’s name. I paused there and felt an overwhelming sense of sorrow. He had died while my dad was still a baby. They had never known each other. My dad never had the joy of knowing his dad like I had. Never had the memories of hunting and fishing together or fixing a broken plow in the middle of a field in the spring. Never sensed the comfort and safety that a son feels knowing that no matter how loud the coyotes were howling in the darkness of the night, my Dad could protect me from anything.
It didn’t seem fair that he should have missed all of that…and not just his father, but then to lose his mother as a young boy. He didn’t have an earthly pattern to follow…but from my perspective, he became the greatest dad in the world.
Then my eyes came to the next section: “Cause of Death”. There it was. The time and the date. Then a hand-written note describing the clinical cause of death, signed by our family physician. I stared at it and then felt the weight in my lap. And then reality hit me.
He really was gone.
I quickly signed the document and asked if there was a place that I could be alone. I suppose this kind of thing doesn’t surprise people who work in a funeral home. She kindly showed me to a little chapel.
And then I wept…and wept.
I felt so alone. And for a moment, I was a little boy needing the comforting presence of his dad. But all I had was a box of ashes. No hand on my shoulder. No silent nod that said “Don’t worry, son…I’m right here.” Could this really be happening to a guy who is already a grandfather himself?
For a brief moment, the emptiness and the emotion gave birth to the question…is this it? Is this all there really is? Is this the end of my dad? A box of ashes?
That’s when I began to smile. Because truth trumps emotion…truth shatters despair and exposes the lie of hopelessness. My smile became a soft chuckle.
No…this is not the end of my dad.
In the midst of emotions that lead us to wrong thoughts, we return to the rock of truth. Our faith is not built upon emotion, but upon the reality of the One Who made the world and all that is in it; the One Who created us and spoke to us; the One Who really did come to this earth, Who lived among us, Who died for us, Who rose again from the dead, appearing to many. No, our faith is built upon the reality of God and His truth claims. The box in my lap contained the physical remains of a man who had earlier departed this world and who is now alive and in the presence of the One Who lives forever…my Dad’s heavenly Father Who has prepared an eternal place for him and all of us.
I will deeply miss my dad, and I do not doubt that there are days ahead when I will feel that loss. But something happened yesterday that I am thankful for. Counselors call it “closure”. I call it a dose of reality. But not a cold reality…it was a warming reality…a smile in the midst of the tears…a confidence that knows “Where, O death, is your victory?”
When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true:
“Death has been swallowed up in victory.”
“Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?” 1 Cor 15:54-55
Amen.
Now, we move on.
Comments
72 Responses to “Our Faith is Not an Emotion”
Leave a Reply
Comments are moderated and will not appear until they've been approved. While we are eager to facilitate conversation by publishing most comments, we may withhold one from time to time if we deem it to be inappropriate, i.e. offensive, vulgar, overly personal, cynical, disrespectful, irrelevant, redundant or unnecessarily contentious (what a list, huh?). Check it over for spelling and grammar before you submit so that nothing will hinder your eloquence!
Thank you.
I could never understand when my Dad’s life was coming to an end and as I prayed that he would live, Dad would just have me read about Heaven over and over again. After I would read his favorite passages, he would say,”Isn’t that beautiful..that’s where I’m going, read it again.” I could hardly utter the passages because my heart was hearting so bad from what I knew would be my loss and yet Dad was so excited to go. The passion and love he had for his Heavenly Father took all his fear of death away. That peace put such a smile on my face at his funeral. Dad just started living when he drew his last breath here. Your Dad just started living on Dec. 30th, 2007!
Dr. Tackett,
I am consistently amazed at how you are able to bring the Truth to bear on so many situations; quite a gift. Thanks you for sharing and for once again pointing us to the bedrock of hope we have in Christ.
I am disappointed I had to miss the Phoenix Truth Project this past weekend due to flight delays/cancellations from Virginia. Stay the course and know that your ministry is making a difference.
Blessings,
Bill
I was so relieved when you described your smile, now I will dwell and pray a while.
I’ve yet to live through all that you have shared, though I’ve never met you, through Him I’ve cared.
Faith has flowed through your words to me, you have been through this all I hope to be.
Thank You so much Del,
God Bless,
Tom S
Dr. Tackett,
My sincerest condolences to you and your family.
I felt more grief at your loss than at the loss of my own father. I think that is a Christian thing, for we saw that when Lazarus died, Jesus wept. Since Jesus knew He would momentarily raise Lazarus from the dead, I like to think that He wept for the grief His friends were experiencing.
My own father passed away in 2005. Dad was 92. He had suffered many “mini-strokes” during his final years, but remained alert and lucid until the end.
Dad spent the last several years of his life in an apartment which was just across a deck from my little brother’s home. My brother did grocery shopping, etc., for Dad, and took care of all Dad’s needs, but Dad lived alone in the apartment. Quite an accomplishment given his advanced years.
Near the end Dad began to fall more frequently, and while he never broke anything (Praise the Lord!), we began to fear that he might fall and hurt himself and not be found for several hours. So the decision was made to put him into a nursing home.
After being in the nursing home for a few weeks, Dad contracted pneumonia, and had to move to a hospital. The day before my Dad’s passing, my little brother called to say that Dad had been going down, and thought that his passing was near. He said if I wanted to see Dad, I should go that night. He then told me to ask Dad about a dream he’d had.
My wife and I went to the hospital. Dad was propped up in bed. We exchanged pleasantries, and then I asked him to tell me about his dream.
Dad said he was walking across a green meadow, and someone was walking toward him. My father had spent most of his life farming, and loved the outdoors, so it was no surprise that he’d dream about a meadow. Dad said that the someone who was walking toward him was Jesus. He said Jesus was smiling as He came.
I sang some with Dad, and the last song I sang was “I’ll fly away.” When I got to the chorus, Dad chimed in on the phrase “in the morning.”
It was then that I told him, “Dad, you know that if Jesus calls you home, it’s ok to go.” He smiled and nodded.
We left about 10:00 p.m. At about 2:00 a.m. the next morning, I received a call from my brother. He said the hospital had called and told him that Dad has passed.
I must say there was more rejoicing than grief at Dad’s passing. He had been a Christian all my life. I don’t know when he accepted Christ, but I was taken to church before I was born! My Mom and Dad both loved the Lord, and passed that love on to my brothers and I.
I wanted to share my story with you, just as you have shared yours with us.
We’ll be praying for you and your family. May God richly bless you. I look forward to meeting you, your father, and all your family in Heaven.
May God continue to bring you comfort and peace.
In Him Who is our Peace,
Mike
Yes there will be days ahead when something very unexpected reminds you of your Dad or something going on that you will want to share with him and then the emotions will make you sad for a time. I am learning at those times to stop and ask my Heavenly Father to give my precious Mom a hug for me and tell her how much I miss her. That reminds me where she is and that some day we will share the wonders of heaven together!! You and your family continue to be close in prayer. May the God of all comforts be your strength.
I love you Uncle Del!
It’s nice to read this and be reminded that in our sadness is joy. I was so distraught when dad called to let me know the news -even though I was expecting it - and more upset that I wasn’t home with him, or in Colorado Springs by Grandpa’s side and with mom and you. But then I walked out of the Yellowstone Institute Book Store - opened my eyes and looked around. What better place to be, than one of my favorite places on earth. The beauty captured me, and I realized that Grandpa loved it there, too, and somehow, I knew that he would know this.
Your niece,
Rachael
Just as was said,
I’ll Fly Away
Some bright morning when this life is over
I’ll fly away
To that home on God’s celestial shore
I’ll fly away
I’ll fly away oh glory
I’ll fly away (in the morning)
When I die hallelujah by and by
I’ll fly away
When the shadows of this life have gone
I’ll fly away
Like a bird from these prison walls I’ll fly
I’ll fly away
Oh how glad and happy when we meet
I’ll fly away
No more cold iron shackles on my feet
I’ll fly away
Just a few more weary days and then
I’ll fly away
To a land where joys will never end
I’ll fly away
Dr. Tackett.
Thanks so much for sharing your dad with us. Not only here but in the Truth Project. Our prayers are with you as we serve a mighty and comforting God.
Dr Tackett
Tears come to my eyes as I read your example of
Faith lived out in your Dad and now as you walk forward. My Dad is a Pastor and we weren’t very
close growing up. I have missed that so much..
I think about His homegoing and expect that I would feel a great emptiness then, a man always holds that place for his Dad even if Dad isn’t
there.
How relevant that The Truth and Life now is my
stay and I will call upon Him then as now to sustain me.
Thanks for your inspiration by living out a
true Faith.. The Truth works….
May our God be truly lifted high and praised
Dr. Tackett:
My father died in 1989 and my mother in 1998. I am 50 years old, with a grown daughter. There are times when I still feel the lack of my parents and miss them so much. But just the other day, when i was “feeling” that lack, God broke in and reminded me that I will see them again. Like they’re not gone, just removed. So faith prevails. Thanks for sharing your story.
Dr. Tackett,
Your words moved me as I read about your father. I too understand the emotions we feel at the lost of a parent. The special relationship you had with your father came through in your eloquent words. Again we are reminded that the world may tell us we need to do this, or we need to have that, or spend more time on ME and less time on God…But in the end and when our purpose on earth is done, it is about a relationship with God and our family that gives us the everlasting life and joy that will be our new home.
May God’s peace be yours,
Marlene Frazier
Dr. Tackett,
Your words moved me as I read about your father. I too understand the emotions we feel at the loss of a parent. The special relationship you had with your father came through in your eloquent words. Again we are reminded that the world may tell us we need to do this, or we need to have that, or spend more time on ME and less time on God…But in the end and when our purpose on earth is done, it is about a relationship with God and our family that gives us the everlasting life and joy that will be our new home.
May God’s peace be yours,
Marlene Frazier
Dr. Tackett,
My small group is just now beginning The Truth Project series. In only the second Tour, it has proved to be an amazing tool in discerning how permeated and tainted my worldview was in so mnay areas and has already brought peace to struggles and worries that have been imprinted on my heart for some time.
Thank you for showing that you yourself use these principles even in the midst of your own struggles, to defy the lies of hopelessness and despair and to hold close the Truth that is found in Christ.
Wishing you a Peace that transcends all understanding during this time.
Helen
God bless you & your family, Dr. Tackett. You made me cry. I lost my brother, husband, dad & now my grandson. They are all with Jesus, too! Won’t it be great to be reunited in Heaven!
Del, for what ever reason I just received this post today, Jan 29th. That’s no big deal, but the odd thing is that you posted this last Tuesday; the day 80 new students started their term at the institute. I was there and even spoke to you briefly after the parent conference. I had a sense that you were not quite yourself that day but did not know why. Now I do. Please accept my belated condolences and my admiration.
In the rush of life I do not always keep up with this blog the way I would like. But every time I do, I feel blessed. Thank you for the insight and wisdom.
BTW, I wept a few tears myself that day. Some for the idea of leaving my daughter in Colorado and knowing how much I would miss her, but mostly for the joy of knowing where she was and the awesome experience she would encounter at FFI.
Soli Deo Gloria
John Scheppler
Dear Dr. Tackett,
We have something in common — I, too, lost my dad this past December. December 28th to be exact. He was 98, a WWII Navy veteran, and the only “illness” he ever had was the one that took his life and it only lasted 10 days.
In all the emotion of loosing dad I am amazed at how merciful God was to orchestrate the gathering of our family for dad’s last days. I am also reminded of the gentle Savior my dad followed and modeled for his family. The memories are many and the tears have been many, too. All in all I can attest to the sentiment of Paul that we as believers have a peace beyond the world’s understanding. That peace is of God and is something I want to model for my children and grandchildren.
My condolences to you and your family. Know that I will pray for you as this year unfolds as special dates and times come up and cause bittersweet memories to flood your mind.
In His Service,
Deborah W. Hayes
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Your message perfectly describes my experience & reactions following the unexpected death of my husband a year ago. Since then, I have been overwhelmed by the love and provision of our Lord. He has led me ever closer to Him than I could imagine. His truth is alive & continues to transform my life. While I wouldn’t have chosen this journey, our boundless Lord has made the journey worth it.
On a side note, one of the ways that God ministered to me was through Christian grief support through an organization mentioned on a Focus on the Family broadcast. More information can be found at GriefShare.org.
May a acute awareness of our Lord’s loving presence and truth comfort and sustain you during this time,
Mary
Thank you for sharing this special time with us. I lost my dear grandmother December 28th. She essentially raised me and was always may fatihful supporter and friend. As I walk in my garden and yard I see the many physical impacts that she had on my life and these remind me of so many other good things that we shared.
As I read your account I was greatly blessed to sense the wonderful unity of graces that the Lord affords those of us that share in such a grand salvation. Yesterday I began a thank you letter to Dr. Dobson for the many blessings he has brought to me and my family through Focus over the years. One of those was the precious and encouraging ministry that has found the avenues of the Truth Project and your wisdom.
I could not sing the old song “The Tie That Binds,” but I am sure that I can give you the living testimony.
God Bless.
Thank you for sharing this with us. I can’t imagine what it’s like to lose someone close to you, a parent. However, I gleaned much more out of this than just the loss of a loved one.
I’m in a trial of life right now, too. My husband currently lives 150miles away from where I live right now. He was blessed with a new job. God provided a new home. But I needed to stay back to clean our old house and finish packing. On top of that, I have to finish training in my replacement at work.
It’s been a trying time. Full of emotions - lots of emotions. Waiting, anticipating, excited, frustrated for the time I get to share our new place with my husband. It’s been three weeks. Not a lifetime, mind you, but a long time to be away from your spouse.
I just went through an emotional day yesterday, to find out that I may not be able to move now for at least a couple more weeks. However, like you, I remembered the promises of God. He has provided a place for me. He has provided the money we need to move. He has provided for everything we’ve needed in order to survive in two houses. And He will find a buyer for our house in this slow market.
Remembering that makes the emotional part of it worth it. Letting out the bottled up, the swirling sea inside is always a good release. Then you CAN hear the truth.
Thank you for sharing.
Dear Del, I want to express my condolences to you and family on your precious loss. I am thankful for the legacy he left in you, your great love for our savior and the ministry to God’s people. When scripture speaks of leaving an
inheritance to your children and your childrens children I think of godly men like your Dad who directed you to the world’s greatest treasue Jesus Christ.
Your old friend, Al
Dr. Tackett, Thanks for sharing openly about your father’s passing. The emotions are so similar - my father passed away June 2007, following a short illness. Dad was a man of great faith who loved the Lord, family, country, community and made a difference in the world. He was a D-Day veteran and some of the most exciting days together were walking on Omaha Beach in 1999 and 2004, crying together, thanking God together, and being grateful for each other and our family.
I miss Dad terribly. I hope my own fathering success and husbanding success will be blessed as his were.
My father lived a simple life in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He invested his life in family, in things of the Lord, in sharing Truth, and did so successfully.
His legacy of serving, environmental concern (an avid outdoorsman/fisherman/hunter/camper) and responsibility molded my life incredibly. Dad fought for his family, his health during and after numerous health setbacks in his adulthood, and for his country - without a mumble or murmur.
Thank God for Godly fathers like yours and like mine. And may we be found as faithful.
Blessings,
Tom
Dear Dr. Tackett,
Thank you for teaching me yet again.
Dear Dr. Tackett,
I too lost my Dad in 2007 but my Dad understood the gospel onyl three months before he died and made a huge impact on the entire family as he shared his new found faith with our entire family most of whom are Catholic and never saw anyone die with so much peace. My siblings and I had shared to gospel with him for 39 years but understanding came late. I thank God that we’ll see our Dad’s some day and they got the same reward even though my Dad was hired late. May God continue to bring you great peace.
In His Strength
Loretta Williamson
Dear Dr. Tackett,
Your message lead me back to the time my father died. He was ill for a long time and was more in pain for not being able to be active, as he was always involved in something or other. He came from the depression where you worked hard for everything you got.
When he again was admitted to the hospital we both knew it would be for the last time. We hugged and I told him I loved him and would miss him. He had a strong faith and wanted to be with the Lord.
A day or so later, my mom and I received a call in the evening from his doctor stating that he would not survive the night and with our consent and, most importantly, my dad’s consent he counseled against any heroic measures to prolong his life.
My mom and I spent the next four hours visiting with him as we talked of things past and present. At the end he just rolled on his side as if going to sleep and went to be with the Lord.
It gave me great comfort to have the privilege to be with him as he left. I felt that I went as far as I could go and handed him off to the Lord. It really helped me let go and, as you stated, gave me a sense of closure. I too miss my dad and at times instinctively want to share something with him, especially when I’m in the mountains of the Sierra he loved. I thank him for giving me a love for the mountains.
As I grow older and more loved ones leave, the realization that we will all be together with our savior becomes more wonderfully real.
Good for my dad! - and my mom and sister and all my loved ones who are at last safe in the arms of Christ, our savior.
Rich
Dr. Tackett,
I did not have the assurance of my dad’s eternal destination, but I do trust a merciful God, for we don’t always know what communication our loved ones have during a lengthy illness. However,I know my mother is with Jesus right now. She was joyful of her home-going, and made me promise never to put flowers on her grave because she’d be with the Lily of the Valley. I’ve kept that promise. I wouldn’t trade places with a queen or the richest woman on earth who does not know our Saviour. Thank you for your testimony.
What encouragement & insight! My dad, too, is a World War II veteran. He’s now 91, basically very healthy, and still enjoying life with (as he says) “the best cook I’ve ever been married to!”; i.e., my mom. They’ll soon celebrate 61 years of marriage. As I contemplate his advancing years, I am struck somewhat by sadness but also by a sense of thankfulness and the grace of God. What a heritage my father has established for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren! Thank you for sharing a glimpse of the heritage YOUR dad has left. God is sovereign!
By the way, Dr. Tackett, my husband and I are about to begin leading our third Truth Project small group. We are immensely and repeatedly blessed by the TRUTH shared in that curriculum! We thank God for having attended the Training Conference in Atlanta in October 2006.
Wow, you pretty much summed up what I went through last August. I went to pick up my Dad’s ashes and it seemed so small and cold. My Dad was big in our family life and he was never cold. How could he be in there? He wasn’t in that wooden box, he is rejoicing with our Savior yesterday, today and all of the tomorrows too. What a comfort for me. We have so much to thank the Lord for, an earthly father who loved us so much that he gave us the greatest earthly gift, a message of salvation and our heavenly Father who loves us more than we can even comprehend. Thank you so much for reminding me of that sad day and the rays of hope that did shine through the clouds. You will miss your Dad and you will have a cry now and then, embrace it, feel it and know that your Dad and your Lord is waiting for you. God Bless you and grant you peace.
Thanks so much for sharing your poignant story and your sorrow and grief at your father’s passing. My own dad went to be with the Lord July 6, 2007 just one week before his 88th birthday.
He too grew up without a father who was killed in a coal mine accident when my dad was only 10, yet somehow he knew how to be a great dad, combining the perfect mixture of love and discipline.
I also have moments of loss and tears and will miss him, but grateful that he is rejoicing in heaven and that one day we shall be together again in the presence of Jesus.
Dr Tackett,
Thank you so much for sharing this very personal story. I, to, have suffered a great loss recently, My son was killed in Iraq. Through this tragedy God has given me eyes to see and ears to hear and I am amazed at how I can see so plainly the ones around me who are reacting to this ‘emotionally’ or by leaning on God’s Truth. Don’t get me wrong I have my days of sadness, and will continue to the rest of my earthly life, but as you quoted in God’s Word - Death has been swallowed up in victory. I am so thankful that we have a God who is so much bigger than anything we may go through - and I will forever trust in this God - even when my emotions want to get the best of me. Proverbs 3:5-6 describes perfectly what we are to do in these situations - not to rely on ourselves, because by doing this we will be consumed and the gates of hell will be opened. I thank my God every moment of every day that there is a God and I am not him. I printed out your writings and am going to pass them on to some of the people around me that are confused by my actions to help them better understand how I can go on. Thank You and God Bless you!! May HE recieve all the Glory!!
a grieving, but spirit led mother
Dear Dr. Tackett,
What a great legacy your father has left with you…having had the love of a father that is a shadow of our Heavenly Father’s love for you! I know that this “temporary” separation will seem like an instant from an eternal perspective. My prayer is that you and your family continue to live in the blessing of warm memories.
My husband and I are leading our fourth Truth Project small group, and our church will be part of your simulcast in the fall. It is truly life-changing….because it is the Word…the Truth!
Thank you for being His obedient servant,
Carolyn Lilley
Dr. Tackett,
God has blessed you with such an eloquent, yet simple, way of expressing the deep things we experience in life. Thank you for your willingness to be transparent with the Body. I believe it touches the Lord’s children more deeply and brings healing more fully than you can truly know this side of Glory. Your dad must have been a special gentleman to have been entrusted with rearing you for such a time as this. I look forward to meeting him on the banks of the crystal sea.
Dear Del,
You don’t know us, but we feel like we know you because of your part in The Truth Project. Your father left you a loving legacy and a great example of a protective, caring and fun father. I thank you for leaving a great legacy too, one piece of which will be all the lives changed by The Truth Project. We want to send you our love and condolences on the passing of your earthly father into eternity.
Dr Tackett
Thank you for sharing your personal feelings. Thank your for reminding me of the warming reality
of Gods perfect plan, love and Truth for us.
God Bless you and your family.
Dear Dr. Tackett:
It brought tears to my eyes reading about your father’s death. My fathered passed away in 1994 when I was 26 years old and pregnant with his second grandchild. It was a very hard time for me because it happened right before Christmas and at that time I had little faith in the Lord. I was raised Catholic but really had no understanding of my faith and went to church out of obligation. I was my daddy’s little girl and I was so angry that my father had to die and miss out on his grandchildren. Now at age 39 and being born again in Christ, as I look back at that painful time your message reminded me that this is not it and I will be reunited again with the ones I love. My husband and I are going through the Truth Project Study right now and we are on Lesson 9. It has been an amazing journey for both of us and just two weeks ago my husband accepted Jesus Christ which I never thought he would do, he’s looking outside the box (yeah!!!). I take comfort in knowing that my children’s daddy will be in heaven one day and that when it is finally time we will all be reunited.
Thank you for the Truth Project!!!!
Sincerely,
Erin Sanchez
Dr. Tackett,
Thank you for your thoughts about your dad. It is such a HUGE blessing to grow up in a family with a loving, Godly mother AND father. I was so blessed. My heart aches for those who never knew the love of Godly parents. Good memories mean much much more than material wealth. And being able to put those memories on paper and sharing them with us means a lot. Thank you for doing that.
God bless, Peg Jones
Dr Tackett
Thank you for sharing your personal feelings. Thank your for reminding me of the warming reality
of Gods perfect plan, love and Truth for us.
God Bless you and your family.
Dr. Tackett,
We never know if, when or how we witness (give affirmation) to the Holy Spirit’s work in those we walk among. This is the second time my wife and I have facilitated “The Truth Porject”, we are seeing in the videos and finding in the Scripture things that are jumping out at us as never before. We are blessed with a strong teaching Pastor, who’s seen the Project also and encourages our congregation to attend as well as from many from other churches. Now I read of your love of your father and your thoughts and feelings of him, much the same as mine and with the same conclusions. My Dad was my hero, he would be 106, not because he was anyone special in this world but because he loved Jesus. How blessed to have fathers like that in this world today. Celebrate your Dad, live and teach Jesus as you are, with Christ you are making a difference in the lives of the saints and those looking to become a saint.
In Christ, Rex and Joyce Stucker
Dr. Tackett,
Please accept my condolences for your loss. I was touched by your words and the images that came for a couple of reasons. I grew up in Southern Idaho and remember similar growing up stories. I left Idaho for a career in the Navy but returned to see my parents as often as possible to reminisce and to manufacture as many memories for my kids as possible as they were growing up.
I recently completed working as a pension administrator for a paper mill and on occasions would have similar questions when a pension recipient died. As I disposed of their personnel folder I lamented sometimes that the folder represented so many years that were now gone in a moment. But then I realized that the folder only had a glimpse of their lives, the remainder being in the memories of families and in the joy they were experiencing now knowing their loved ones were “home” having a great time! I tried not to think of those that I knew who were not believers. I could only imagine the absence of joy for them.
Thanks again for sharing.
Mark
Dear Dr Tackett, I sit here with tears running down my face. I lost my father and best friend 4 years ago. He and I owned a bakery together and he taught me evrything I know about the trade. Also how to be a man and most importantly a husband and a father. I came to know Jesus in 1992 and my father shortly after that- so I know i will see him again. But letters like yours sure do make me think about him and how much I miss him.
Thanks for everything you do at focus.
I wept as I read your sadness. Then, I saw the word “box” in your recitation. As you moved from missing your father to remembering the joy of the Lord, I saw the principles of the truth project in motion. You saw outside the box. There are no answers inside the box. We have to look out side the box at our creator for the answers.
Dear Dr. Tackett~
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You, and your family will be in my prayers during this time. My 7 year old daughter with special needs passed away on October 20th. and for me, grief has been a heart wrenching experience. It is always encouraging to be reminded of the Biblical Truth we can stand firm in. Thank you for your wisdom, honesty, and courage!
May God Bless You in His Perfect Way!
(Not always how we think things should look)
Sincerely,
Shanna
Dr. Tackett, I too lost my father on December 17, 2006 and only four days after he gave his heart to the Lord, he was 93 years old. I was his caregiver for six years. We had been praying for dad quite awhile but he always called his religious side of life private. My father was Catholic. One day I told him Dad, it is important that if you have given your life to the Lord and ask him into your heart that you share that with someone or it is as if you are ashamed of him. His response was really, I did not know that. Dad, then gave his heart to the Lord and almost immediately he went down hill but when I would go into to see him it was if he was staring at Angel’s with such a peaceful presence around and about him. He knew it was his time and told me this time I will not make it. But he did… Jesus has him with him and I praise and thank Jesus that he prepared me for the occasion. I have such peace knowing where he is and we will all be together again.
Dr. Tacket, you are such an inspiration to so many thank you once again for sharing what the Lord has laid on your heart even at time of loss. I could never begin to tell you what an inspiration you are and have been through our Lord Jesus Christ in the life of both my husband and myself. May God continue to Bless you always and give complete peace to you and your family at this time.
dear dr. tackett,thank you for sharing your personal moment in that chapel. i spent one like it last august after my dear dad died, and cried out the same questions…is that all there is???? my faith took a dive, all was dark,the spiral pulled me in…but thanks to my Christian faith and upbringing, i knew to look up, take the hand of Jesus just as im sure my dad did that night, and step out again into the light and smile. it wasnt emotion that saved me but knowledge of the truth, which showed me which way to turn. thank you for your efforts to lead us to truth. thank you. janet byler
Sir, please accept my heartfelt condolences. It is never easy to lose a parent, even when you know they are saved. My own father passed away when I was 19 years old, in 1986. He had become close to God only the last three years of his life. I took it very hard and it shook my faith, sending me into a deep depression. You see, I had prayed for his recovery and believed those prayers would be answered with his recovery, following the teachings of several TV preachers. The Lord eventually brought me back to a place where I could understand, but even after all these years there are times I wish I could talk to my father again and seek his advice. I have had other times in my life where my faith has been tested and I have not been the Christian I would like to be, but I thank God for the Lord Jesus, that he always forgives and brings us back to where we need to be and teaches us a lesson from every experience. I know I will see my Dad again too. I am thankful that I have a heavenly Father that will always be there, in this life and the next and that he is a merciful God. I enjoy reading your blog, which I have only recently discovered and may the Lord bless you in your work.
Dear Dr. Tackett,
David and I and a group from our church just had the pleasure of hosting you at our church and then having lunch together. We had no idea you had just lost your father. Bless you and your family.
We started a new TP group last night at Pusch Ridge Christian Academy. One of our points of discussion was that “our faith is not an emotion”. Thank you for your powerful words and for always pointing us to the object of our faith…our Lord and Savior Jesus.
I have deep sympathy at the loss of your Dad on Dec. 30th. I too lost my Dad this year;April 19th. I was at work waiting for the dentist to come check my patient so I wouldn’t run behind schedule. The phone call came and “the script went in the trash.” ” A plane had gone down, wasn’t sure yet if it was your dad………” my husband’s voice was kind.By that afternoon all four of my siblings and their spouses and all three of my children joined many close friends and neighbors in my parent’s livingroom when the police knelt down at my Mom’s side to tell her that they had confrimed that it was indeed my Dad’s plane that had gone down in the St. John’s River, not too far from thier dock. It was Dad’s plane but he wasn’t flying it that morning. The other pilot died too. He was only sixty-eight while my Dad was eighty-two. Mom and Dad had been married sixty years! Still, we had so very much to be thankful for. Dad was right with the Lord, right with all the family, and right with the neighbors too. That had not always been the case. Three weeks prior to this all the siblings had been there for a family meeting. Dad had a large estate and we had started attending meetings to give us all an understanding of how the Fly-In Park would be completed and what would happen when he was no longer with us….. Four of the five of us decided to spend the night. It was such fun. The runway had just been paved and that night my brothers had gone out to stargaze with Dad’s new high-powered telescope at the end of the runway. Seemed like a good idea until a pilot decided to take a late night flight and scared the heck out of them! We all got a good laugh, especially Dad. I stayed on for a few more days. I can do that now since all three kids are away at school. An hour before I was to go home, I put on the “Science DVD” of the Truth Project” series and he and my Mom enjoyed watching it together. The last thing I saw my Dad say was,”I don’t know how anyone can see the stars at night and not declare the Glory of God.” We all miss him so much, but we know where he resides……..with the One who made those stars.
Dear Dr, Tackett,
I am so sorry about the death of your father. Know that you are in my prayers. Rejoice for him, that he is with our Lord.
Maria(Mia) Palla
It is true
that one of lifes biggest regrets
are the words never mentioned
one never forgets
As he lay dying
we struggled to say
just a few simple words
not heard on that day
I’ve often reflected
from Dad’s day to this
It’s those words left unsaid
that have increased the miss
So I thank God
On that Monday quite blue
when I said, then you said,
“And I love you”.
To my Mother
Dear Dr. Tackett
I am sorry to hear of the loss of your father. I am so glad you have some great memories to look back on.
My husband and I taught our first TTP class. The material is incredible. You are a wonderful teacher. I also want to say how well done the series is, with all the graphics, etc. Thank your team for us.
We really felt it was first class. The information is amazing. I think lesson 5 was my favorite. We see the effects of believing lies, all around us.
God Bless you and your family
Dr. Tackett,
How true that our faith is not an emotion; nor is love. I find it intriguing that some of the most meaningful experiences are often misconstrued as emotions rather than the decisions that they are.
Thank you for your service and sharing of yourself.
God Bless,
Kent
(On a personal note, I have to tell you that growing up in Colorado and having family in the Black Forest somehow adds meaning to the one-way relationship we share via the Truth Project videos. Imagine my surprise to hear of places near where I currently reside: Laguna Vista and South Padre Island. My work often takes me to Port Mansfield and Harlingen is just up the road.)
Dear Del, Thank you for sharing your life and the recent loss of your father. I send my deep heartfelt sympathy to you and your family, Please also be encouraged to rejoice and celebrate your dads life and the Lords everlasting faithfulness and love for your father, for you, and for each and every one of us! In difficult moments and in the days and months ahead may you wait upon the Lord, He will renew your strength, He will mount you up on wings like eagles, you will run and not grow weary, you will walk and not faint, for the Lord is with you always! May the Lord Jesus Christ bless you and keep you, and give you His peace.
My Dad died on February 21st of last year and my Mom on June 1st - 100 days after my Dad. I would say she died of a broken heart. I was with my Dad the last 10 days in home hospice care. I helped change him and heard the grizzly sound of his lung filling up with fluid. I got to hold his hand and say goodbye in 20 different ways. I was surprised at what God did during those times to make it one of the most richest experiences of my life although it was one of the hardest. I hear his words come from my mouth sometimes now and long to hear his voice. But the one thing I hold onto is hope that I will see him in heaven one day. I told him in the last few moments to, “be there!” I hope and trust I will.
Del:
I understand your emotions exactly. My Dad died in 1981 and I still miss him. There are many occasions when I have a question or just want to talk. His life and mine are different, but the rock-solid truths by which he lived are universal and eternal.
Phil Steinbach
Thanks for taking us on your recent journey in the valley.
I lost my dad earlier than I would have chosen. He, too, was a Navy air man who served in the Pacific arena. He infected me with the love for the sea and fishing. We shared many experiences together, with our roles being reversed in his later years- me becoming the guide and taking him to my favorite places in Florida Bay and the Keys. I still love and miss him.
I was asked to do his funeral service. My three brothers shared with me in giving honor and perspective to the memory of a humble man who always did his duty.
Your loss has opened my memories of him again and makes so thankful for the truth of the eternal life, the most important thing I still share with my dad.
We appreciate you, your openness, and your work for His glory.
Chip
Dr. Tackett,
Thank you for sharing your heart felt feelings. My dad’s dad passed away when my dad was 5 or 6 so my dad does not really have any memories of his dad. I can remember growing up with my brother at home and playing on an ice rink that my dad always prepared and had ready for the both of us every day. Our dad would always get up hours before having to go to work in the morning just to clean the rink and to put on a fresh coat of water. I can remember when the 3 of us would take trips to the UP of Michigan and to Macinaw. Our dad was always doing something for us boys, he made growing up so much fun. Our mom and dad had divorced when I was 7 and my brother was 2 so we had spent most of our years growing up jumping back and forth living with each parent. I am only 26years old and my dad is still alive however he has not yet made the step of accepting Christ into his heart. My brother and I always pray that he will! I just want to say after reading your story, I now have a much clearer perspective of how our dad became such a great dad on his own. From my brother and I, we both want to say thanks to our dad for great years growing up!!!! Joe and Corey
Del,
i understand the emotions and the closure. I lost my mom 2 years ago. Her last day was peaceful and I know the Lord was there with her. She kept getting this dreamy look on her face and smiling. She kept mentioning the angels and the field of yellow flowers she was sitting in. She passed in her sleep that night. It was hard to say my final goodbye. She would miss so much here. We would miss her. But then peace flooded me. What greater place could she be? Sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening to Him tell a story? How great that must be. Yes, I miss her so much. But I am glad she is not in pain anymore. I am Thrilled she is with Him. How awesome.
It was wonderful meeting you at our church. There was so much I wanted to say. But couldn’t. I was hurting for your loss and I would have cried if I would have said anything. So, my husband spoke instead. Thank you for this wonderful lesson. I look forward to starting my own small group in two weeks.
You are a blessed man of God. Thank you for sharing His blessings with us.
Chrissy
Dr Tackett, Thank you for your words of faith reminding me and my wife Nicolle that faith is stronger than emotions. As with the knowledge of knowing without reservation that as you will be reunited with your dad so too will we be reunited with our two sons who are home with the Lord planning a welcome home party for us. Thanks for reminding us we really do believe what we say we believe! May the peace that passes all human understanding be with you and your loved ones now and forever.
Thank you.
Dear Dr. Tackett, both my parents are gone too and I await the day when we meet again. I share in your pain and happiness at the same time. The Lord is grand and in Him we put our trust and in His truth we know we are just foreigners in this world. I thank your earthly father for bringing you into this world and our heavenly father for giving you the wisdom to put the Truth Project in front of all of us. We have shown it to my son, his wife and our daughter and it has made a great difference in their lives. May God bless you and give you peace knowing that your father is in heaven enjoying the presence of the Lord.
Dr.Tackett,
It is interesting, God chose the relationship of Fatherhood, calling us His children. Not because of a Patriarchial need for control on His part, but because of the deep, fundamental, and vitally important relationship of Father/Child (which seems to be so under attack these days). Tears fill my eyes as a read many of theses blog responses that reaveal so poingnantly that paramount relationship of Father to Child. My own Father died in ‘72–I was 8 years old. Only as I let my Father God heal my broken heart through the power of the Holy Spirit am I able to grieve appropriately and hope fully. From Romans 15:13, May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing as we trust in Him, that we may abound in hope.
Dr. Tackett,
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. We just “got to know you” four weeks ago by watching The Truth Project with a small group Bible Study.
We have grown to respect your great faith in our Lord, and are really enjoying your no nonsense scholarly teaching. Great work, and we’re hoping to purchase a copy of The Truth Project to share with another small group, and our family.
May the Lord continue to bless you and your family. We may not be able to meet you in person, but we will meet you in Heaven someday.
Thanks Del,
I’ve been experiencing my own grief and your words spoke to my heart.
Dr. Tackett,
First let me say I am deeply sad about the loss of your Dad and am at the same time glad for you, that you have the peace of mind as to the truth, of where he is, at this moment.
My Dad, was a West Texas rancher and business man, he had grown up in the depression with very little. The story is that he won a pair of boots roping and my Mom won a pair of boots barrel racing and they sold them for $12 dollars and got married.
His greatest assets, for him and me, was the depth of his faith. He taught us to pray about everything, and I mean everything. He taught us the difference in tithes and gifts. He taught us the scriptures and why we ask for understanding.
As hard as his loss was for me, his rewards make me smile and even rejoice.
Recently, my oldest son became a Dad and I became a Grandad for the first time. Lance, my son, called me one night excited about a study he was in, called the Truth Project. We I have now joined a group in my hometown. All I can say is your Dad and my Dad have touch the heart of my son through this study. And in turn it has touched my heart and I am thankful that my grandson will have a Dad like you and I.
Sir, God has truly been glorified through your teachings and ministry. For that I am greatful and both your heavenly father and your Dad are overjoyed.
May the lord give you peace and joy as you move through the next couple of months.
Ky L. Evans
Dr. Del Tackett,
Your grief and loss reminded me when I too lost my father. After my father’s first heart attack, he left his automobile repair business and started a church. He lived for 9 years. His passing away was 18 years ago and that church is still ministering. (Open Bible Church, Palmdale, CA)
While driving to work one morning recently after his passing, Jesus’ words hit me with comfort…”God is not the God of the dead, but the living!” My father was as alive as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob who had been dead for hundreds years, when Jesus made that statement. (Reference - Matthew 22:32)
Around this time, I dreamed I was in a church, playing a trombone before the service was started. I was playing a new song by ear only – something my father encouraged me to do while he was living. I looked up to see my father sitting under a beam of light in a suit and tie, near the back row. He was smiling as though he had just pulled a practical joke on me. My immediate reaction, was to say…”Dad, your dead! What are you doing here?” (I’m a very skeptical engineer. My immediate interpretation of the light to be a regular ceiling light.) I immediately woke up. The color of his suite and tie had been so real. Then it hit me, I had been playing a new song by ear and taking the lead part, something I would have never done in life. Playing new songs by ear absolutely requires one to listen first to the tone pattern and rhythm.
Heaven is going to be more wonderful than we can envision.
Jerry Kelley
When my sister called to say that Daddy was “gone,” I was stunned. He had been in Hospice Care for two weeks so it wasn’t his death that stunned me. In a very brief two minutes I processed everything I’d learned about death and the immortal soul, heaven and the life after death. That’s 58 years of Christian teaching, preaching and living. It was a great joy to realize that I truly did believe what I’d been taught, what I said I believed, what I had shared with other regarding earthly death. I KNOW where my dad is and whose hands he is in and that is the greatest comfort and joy. It will override any moments of grief I feel for myself because I also know I will see him again.
Dear Dr. Tackett,
Along with all these others, I, too, sympathize with your feelings. I had to say goodbye to my precious mother last year as well, after having helped take care of her for 8 years as she slowly debilitated with a neurological disease. It has been many months now, but I still cry easily from missing her. I know you will, too. But thank you so much for reminding us that truth is not an emotion! The truth is the truth whether you scream it or whisper it. It is powerful all the time. And it will win out over the emotions and doubts that want to cause us to despair. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING THE TRUTH PROJECT WITH US! It is truly life-transforming! God bless you as He continues using you for His glory!
Cindy
Wow, Dr. Tackett, thank you so much for sharing this. I read 1 Corinthians 15 just this morning and verses 54 and 55 jumped out at me. And then I read your post, and I know that your experience is a living example of what Paul wrote to the Corinthians… that very present truth, a WARM reality. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for sharing your life with us.
Dear Dell and Family,
My deepest sympathy. Coincidenly, today is my mothers 10 year anniversary in heaven. She and my Dad were Oklahoma grown transplants to Oregon before I was born. Graciously, through I was an oops, they named me Joy instead. I too attended church since conception and God has been so good to me and my husband!
I’m also blessed to have great memories of my Dad who eventually became a carpenter and in adult life a true Christian. I remember those big rough hands holding his big black Bible while reading in his favorite chair. He was rejected by the army because of a bad heart, but he supported the War effort by crating supplies to be shipped to the front lines. He also used his chapped and calous hands to build many churches. Most of all he loved me, but when I was 11 his tired heart finally gave out and God promoted him. My siblings were married so mom raised me alone and never remarried. Our two girls loved my Mom, but it has always grieved me that they never knew my Daddy. God willing, some day they will.
Last spring both our daughters announced they were expecting their fifth child. One delivered a healthy little girl yesterday, Praise God! The other lost her baby within the first three months of conception.
We were amazed at how painful it was to lose someone you never knew, but was your heritage. At the same time we were comforted with the prospect of that precious baby being enthusastically greeted by a broad smiling Greatgrandpa who LOVED kids and a Greatgrandma who prayed for and doted on their every desire and would cook them any palate delight. My mom passed at 87 and finished strong. She even took training to help with Awana’s kids club when she was 80 years old. So, I believe God has deposited that baby in the best of experienced hands.
This is so far into your responses that it may never get read, but I was good for me to write and I appreciate the reminder that our heritage is eternal.
Sunday my husband and I will teach The Truth Project Lesson 9, just before the primary elections. It has been delightful to see how many times God has timed these subjects perfectly in the life of our church and used them to refocus our lives. The positive feedback has been huge!
We send you and your staff not just our sympathy, but our love, prayers and thanks,
Joy Schoming from California
Dear Del,
Thank you for sharing your feelings about the passing on to heaven of your dear father. My heart goes out to you, and I will lift you up to our Heavenly Father during this mourning time. I pray for His comfort, His peace, and His strength to surround you - that you know that you are being carried through this very sad time by Abba Father. I lost my mom 20 years ago. That separation hurt so much - but God was (and is) faithful through my sad time. What a glorious time to see our Savior face to face and to be with our loved ones once again!
God bless you, Del! You are certainly a blessing to others. We led The Truth Project in our home (we went through training in Kansas City) and so many that attended have thanked us for opening their eyes to the Truth and the deception around us. You are amazing!
Libbi from Oklahoma
I can thoroughly identify with Dr. Tacket’s feelings. The 1st anniversary of my mother’s death is drawing near. She knew I was a Christian and active in my church. She was not a church goer and I was never quite sure if she was a beleiver. The pastor of our church visited with my mother several times before she died. After she passed he shared this story with me: He had visited mom the day before she died. The devotion he shared with her was based on Jesus being our Good Shepherd. After he finished the devotion he asked her “Gloria, do you believe that Jesus is your Savior and your Shepherd?” She didn’t hesitate to answer “Oh, yes! I can hear that Shepherd calling me home and I can’t wait to go!” Sharing that story with me has helped to make her death so much more bearable.
Carol Schreibeis
Feb 5, 2008 2:00
My dad passed away 2 years ago in Bosie, Idaho.
And we have some of the same memories of outdoor
fun. My dads mom died when he was young and his
dad did not spend alot of time with him and his
brothers and they were passed around alot. So I
did not have a close relationship with my dad because he had no role model to raise kids after.
From the hurt of his childhood he became a drinker. We got closer as he got older and I tryed to talk to him about God. He believed there was one but he did not want to have any part of him. Being in Texas and trying to see him before he died I did not has a change to talk to him about Heaven and if he was ready. It bothers me to this day that I did not get there in time for his last breath and to know if he is in Heaven or Hell. I only hope to see him when my day comes.
Dear Dr. Tackett,
Thank you for sharing your story about your dad.
I appreciate the article about faith also. Death is’nt permanent, especially if your a Christian.
It is comforting to know that I’ll see my family and friends in heaven again.
Condolences to you and your family in your dad’s death.
In Christ,
Brenda Simpson