Dear John

This is a different kind of Dear John letter. It isn't written to John but to someone else who I will not name for their privacy. If you the reader, feel a need to figure out who this is (which wouldn't be hard) I would ask you to stop reading right here. For those of you who will continue this is a letter written to a man, from a man, about a young lady. The irony is that I have spoken to the man only a few times via email and would not know him if he was standing in front of me - yet I do know him.  Here it goes;

Dear John,


Last night Carey and I went to see the movie "Courageous" which I know you previously have shown interest in seeing.  John, I don't know if you have seen this movie yet or not, however I am asking, no I am begging you to see it.  I must warn you however that the movie has the Holy Spirit all over it!  I can only imagine the struggles you go through and have gone through.  I watch you go up and down, and can tell you grow tired of it.  I really wish I could help, I do.


There is a reason I am writing now, and if you have seen the movie you should begin to understand.  It is for our daughter's sake I write.  God and you have entrusted Carey and I with the Honor of keeping her for a short time.  These last two years with her have gone by so quickly, and she is growing into a beautiful young lady.


John, I am writing this not to make you feel guilty, because quite frankly we both are guilty.  I am writing this to tell you that as much as I can, I father her and treat her just as my own flesh and blood, BUT I AM NOT YOU?  You see it really doesn't matter how you started in life John, silver-spoon or with no spoon, it matters how you finish!  About twenty years ago I heard Dr James Dobson of Focus on The Family say; "as a father I don't have to model perfection, just forgiveness."  I need to be able to give it abundantly and ask for it regularly.

John do not look back to what you have lost but look ahead to what you can have, Lord willing - and I believe He is willing, are you?


Love you Brother


This letter could have easily been titled Dear Ernie, Dear Doug, Dear Howard or Dear _____, you fill in the blank.  The letter is definitely not about all of us, but still, a large number of us men...


Blessings
ernie