My Dad And His Influence On My Christian Faith

“I want you to know that if you are ever in trouble, you can always come to me.”

One can only imagine the influence of those grace-filled words often repeated to me by my father from early childhood to adulthood!  When asked to write about the person who most influenced my faith, I knew that it had to be my dad, Glenn Smith.  Even more than a faithful pastor, Old Testament theologian, or philosophy professor, it was my dad who most influenced my Christian faith.  He proves, for me, the old Spanish proverb about an ounce of parent being worth a pound of clergy!

My dad would be embarrassed to know that I am writing about him as he was quite a humble man.  I have tried to understand what made my father such a gracious man though he was raised in strict legalism.  The best explanation I have for my dad’s life is that at four years of age, he gave his life to Jesus.  I saw the difference that knowing Jesus made for him in facing illnesses, losses, and tragedies in a way that convinced me that Jesus must be real.

My dad was a cotton farmer who worked hard, and knew what it was to clear land and establish a farm.  At the same time, with only a high school education he served church, school boards, and community organizations.  I once overheard my father say shyly to my mother: “I am only a 50-watt bulb but I want to shine as bright as I can.”

It is said that children don’t listen to us as much as they watch us.  I watched my dad and saw that he was the same in our home as he was at church.  No duplicity with Glenn Smith.  I cherish memories of him playing with me on the floor, cheering me on at a ballgame, reaching over to pat my shoulder as I rode beside him in the car.  My dad made me think that my heavenly Father might be something like him.

I believe that my love for Scripture began with seeing my dad daily reading his Bible.  I also remember watching him lead our family in prayer and Bible devotions every morning and evening.  My dad loved people!  For example, he kept a file on his farmer friends’ children so that he could ask about their kids.  And only as an adult did I realize the sacrifices my dad (along with my mother) made to give generously to church and missionaries for whom we prayed every day.

My dad was a great listener, preferring more to hear others than to talk.  But he did love to speak in proverbs, reminding me “A penny saved is a penny earned,” and “Just begun is half done.”  He encouraged cleanup after meals with just the words, “Many hands make much work light.”  Once, when I made a big mistake, he put his hand on my shoulder and spoke proverbial wisdom, “We live and learn.”  My dad embodied the truth that some things are better caught than taught.   The day my father died a cousin called my dad’s brother to break the sad news.  I treasure my cousin’s first words about my dad’s death: “The peacemaker is gone.”

As an Anglican, I believe in the Communion of the Saints and know that my dad is still praying for me and cheering me on.  Sometimes as we celebrate the Eucharist I like to ‘join my voice with the Angels and Archangels, with all the company of heaven’, and my dad!  Thanks, Dad, for still being the greatest influence on my Christian faith.  Thanks for making Jesus real.

Tim Smith