Fathers, Daughters and St. Thérèse by Nancy HC Ward
Connie gives practical advice for overcoming fears and
frustrations that hamper our relationship with God. I asked her about her
father-daughter relationship as compared to that of Louis Martin and his
daughter St. Thérèse of Lisieux.
Nancy: Thérèse was blessed with parents
who were “more worthy of heaven than of earth.” Thérèse had a special
relationship with her father, who called her, “my Queen.” She formed her image
of God from her father who never denied her love, affection and care. How did
your father-daughter relationship compare to this?
Connie: In some ways, my relationship with
my father when I was growing up was miles apart from the relationship between Thérèse
and Louis. I am very quiet and reserved. As a child, I was also timid. My dad,
in contrast, was outgoing and frank. He was also the primary disciplinarian. My
mom often said, "Wait till your dad gets home!" I grew nervous around
him. I avoided talking to him about any serious subjects.
In my book, I tell how my dad left me home alone when I was
about five. When he returned about an hour later, he didn't show any sympathy
for my fears. So that didn't help my relationship with him or God.
Read the entire interview at JOYAlive.net
Comments
Post a Comment