Growing up I have always had an interesting relationship with my father.
He has always been kind and pleasant to me but his relational distance
made him seem like more of a crazy uncle than a Dad. As a little kid, my
disappointment in our relationship and his limited interest in me would
cause me to ask if he even remembered he had a daughter. Earlier this
month his health turned for the worst and he passed away. When cleaning
out his belongings, I found his wallet. Within the worn and tattered
billfold was a crusty photo sleeve containing a very faded photo of ME.
Finding it was like discovering the treasure of a lifetime. He DID
remember he had a daughter. He DID think of me. He DID love me.
As I
smile thinking about this moment, I’m reminded that GOD loves me even
more than a faded photo in a wallet. Most importantly, we get to help
students in high school and middle school discover that there is a GOD
who not only remembers them, but CREATED them to be HIS sons and
daughters and PURSUES them with a reckless love. Our heavenly Father
loves us perfectly and never leaves us.—What a joy to experience REAL
hope as I prepare emerging leaders to spread this hope with kids in
their communities. -Tanya Rodriquez-Huber
Growing up I have always had an interesting relationship with my father.
He has always been kind and pleasant to me but his relational distance
made him seem like more of a crazy uncle than a Dad. As a little kid, my
disappointment in our relationship and his limited interest in me would
cause me to ask if he even remembered he had a daughter. Earlier this
month his health turned for the worst and he passed away. When cleaning
out his belongings, I found his wallet. Within the worn and tattered
billfold was a crusty photo sleeve containing a very faded photo of ME.
Finding it was like discovering the treasure of a lifetime. He DID
remember he had a daughter. He DID think of me. He DID love me. 
As I
smile thinking about this moment, I’m reminded that GOD loves me even
more than a faded photo in a wallet. Most importantly, we get to help
students in high school and middle school discover that there is a GOD
who not only remembers them, but CREATED them to be HIS sons and
daughters and PURSUES them with a reckless love. Our heavenly Father
loves us perfectly and never leaves us.—What a joy to experience REAL
hope as I prepare emerging leaders to spread this hope with kids in
their communities. -Tanya Rodriquez-Huber
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