My brothers and I recently spent some time with my dad over his birthday weekend. We went to a Mariner game together, Red Mill Burgers, then took him home where a surprise party was waiting for him.

My dad is one of the funniest people I know… no that’s wrong… he IS the funniest person I know. He has an unusual ability to sneak in hilarious lines at times when you’re not expecting it.

My dad is not perfect, yet he has been a wonderful example to his four kids and three grandchildren when it comes to being a loving husband and father.

What I find remarkable is that he has been able to be a loving father when he not fortunate enough to have a consistent, loving father raise him. His dad and step dad loved him, but my dad’s consistency as a loving husband and father far exceeds his predecessors.

My dad’s upbringing was rough. His parents did the best they could, however a healthy and stable are not the first words I would use to describe how was raised.

By the time my mom and dad were about to be married he told me they made a conscious choice that divorce would never be an option in their marriage. 

My dad mentioned that he wanted his children to know and live with their loving father. Something, he was unable to experience. He wanted more for his kids then he had for himself.

In John chapter five we find the story of a man who has been lame for 38 years laying beside a pool waiting and hoping for life change.

Jesus asks him, “Would you like to get well?”

It’s a funny question when you think about it… The man has been laying by the pool hoping for healing for 38 years, of course he wants to get well!

In this instance Jesus healing flows through the simple words, “Stand up.” 

I believe this is was and is a key factor in my dad’s ability to break the cycle of brokenness that marred his childhood.

Yes, God’s grace is THE key factor.

Yes, my amazing mom has been the perfect companion and has helped build the happy home and upbringing that I’m blessed to say I come from.

But somewhere in my dad’s late teens and early twenties he had to decide to stand up against what the likely scenario for his life would have been. He had to say, “I want better for my kids. I’m not going to allow separation and divorce to mark my legacy.”

I’m thankful my dad stood up. I’m thankful that repeating the same mistakes wasn’t good enough for him. I’m thankful he wanted more and better for us.

That’s the Uprising.