“She’s a Lori Ann.” And the story goes that my parents couldn’t decide what to name me that first day of my life; that is, until my Dad went down to the nursery, looked at me for awhile, and knew who I should be. “She’s a Lori Ann.” And my mom agreed, and so I was identified, and that day I got my name.

My dad is the first picture I ever saw of my Father God. I think he bears a striking resemblance. My dad was the first to care for me, protect me from all harm, provide for my every need, and pick me up whenever I would fall. He took me with him wherever he went, which included a lot of sporting events, and therefore had me dribbling a basketball between my legs at the age of three. I learned that he loved having me along.

When Dad was around, I knew I was safe, for he was my protector; he always came when I needed him. Even if things were scary, everything became Ok when dad picked me up and held me close and rescued me from my fear.

My dad went on to become my biggest fan, my most ardent advocate when things weren’t fair, my constant encouragement, and the voice inside my head that said, “You can do it!” He cheered me on, believed in me, and never gave up until I began to believe in myself.

My dad was a high school principal when I was young. He’s the world’s best ‘people-person’, loved his staff and his students alike. Most nights would find him at the gym or their music hall or some awards banquet. But when my sister and I got older and began to be involved in all those activities in a different school system, dad was torn. He couldn’t be in two places at the same time.

So, in a world where most people climb the career ladder, mine decided to take a step down. He took an elementary school principal position, so that he could be there for my sister and me, and eventually our little bro. Do you know what that spoke to this little 12 year old heart? That, WOW, my dad must really love me, and value me, and want to be where I am. I learned that I was worth changing jobs for, sacrificing money for, and giving up status for. I learned that I had worth.

Of course he went on to be the most beloved Elementary School Principal who ever lived… (well, yes, I can have my opinion!) Who else had 300 young ones hug you good morning, and hug you goodbye before they got back on the school bus? But I knew he still made a sacrifice. I knew he put his family above himself . I learned what Father’s love looks like in action.

“This is my commandment: love one another as I have loved you. No greater love has man than this- that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15: 13 (or his family)

I realize not every dad can just change jobs when the schedule gets tough. Sometimes, dads have to have two jobs these days just to make ends meet. My story may not be your story. But my story may encourage you if you are a dad or mom: your choices speak volumes to your kids! Your priorities are seen no matter what is spoken. Value is instilled by the time you spend and the words you’re there to speak and the times when you just sit in the stands. You get to be the first picture of our Father in heaven that your kids will ever see.

And if you didn’t have a dad like mine, be encouraged today. You have a heavenly Father who actually created you, designed you, and breathed life into your lungs. He loves you perfectly- even more than my dad loves me – because Love is His very nature; it’s Who He is. Every thought he has towards you and every action he takes towards you is only and always in love because He IS love and He cannot act apart from Who He is!

I am so thankful for my dad. For the Family he and my mom began. It has given me the most beautiful place to grow up and be known and be safe and be loved and be-long: no matter what. It’s where I learned I am wanted and enjoyed and celebrated and valued. It’s where I learned that I matter. It’s where I get my identity, when my dad declared my name, “She’s a Lori Ann.”

And you have a Family where you can do the same. Where you can be known and loved and enjoyed and celebrated. Where you can learn who you are and Who your Father really is, and hear Him declare over you today, “I have chosen you. You are mine.”

“But now, … listen to to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, ‘Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.'” Isaiah 43: 1