Playbook “Just then Jacob noticed Joseph’s sons and said, 'Who are these?' Joseph told his father, 'They are my sons whom God gave to me in this place.' 'Bring them to me,' he said, 'so I can bless them.' Israel’s eyesight was poor from old age; he was nearly blind. So Joseph brought them up close. Old Israel kissed and embraced them and then said to Joseph, 'I never expected to see your face again, and now God has let me see your children as well!'” Gen 48:8-11 (The Message)

“Is it ever too late?”

“Dear Ed, I am writing this email to you to ask for some advice with my daughter. It’s been over fifteen years since I have communicated with her. I never thought she wanted to have anything to do with me because of the divorce. I was unable to hold back the tears while reading the story about how you blessed your daughters. Is it ever to late to be a good dad?”

We talked on the phone the next morning and I encouraged John (not his real name) to write one more letter in hopes his daughter would be open to another conversation. Within hours of her receiving the letter, she called John. “Daddy is that you?” “Yes it is”, John responded. “Dad, can you tell me what I did that caused you to leave mom, and why you didn’t want me?” Her tears started choking out her words, “Was it because, I was…. ugly?” As these words pierced John’s heart he answered. “No honey, you were not the reason I left. It was me, I was a broken man. Can I come and see you?”

A few weeks later they met and John asked, “Would you tell me about how much I hurt you when I left?” For fifteen years her heart had been full of questions, yet John stood still listening to her pain. He then asked, “Honey, will you forgive me for not being there and hurting you?” His daughter then hugged the daddy she thought would never be in her life. In fact, shortly thereafter, John was acquainted with his two grandchildren he had never known. Not only was he restored to his daughter; he became the grandfather he was destined to be.

Just like Jacob’s story in the Bible, it is never too late for God to restore a broken family. All it takes is a Dad who is willing to never give up.

Coaching Tips

My Prayer For You

“Father, I pray for every mom and dad who has lost the heart of his or her kids. Father give them the grace to forgive their kids, and the strength to write another letter, or make another step into the story and lives of their kids. Bring healing into their families that the blessing of the Father would come and break the brokenness that so many of us inherited from our Dads. In the name of Jesus, Amen”

www.edtandymcglasson.com | Online Store | Upcoming Events | Book Ed! | Donate