This month’s blog post is dedicated in memory of the most selfless, humble, loving and dedicated man that I had the privilege of knowing and calling “Daddy.” Unfortunately, my dad passed away on August 7th. It’s an extremely tough loss. My dad was a pastor, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, mentor and friend to many. He demonstrated his love for God, family and community.
The Bible states in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, “Love is patient, love is kind, it is not jealous; love does not brag, it is not arrogant. It does not act disgracefully, it does not seek its own benefit; it is not provoked, does not keep an account of a wrong suffered, it keeps every confidence, it believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
I heard this verse repeatedly during my childhood but didn’t understand the true meaning and spiritual maturity required to live it out until adulthood. My dad taught us the importance of dedicating our lives to Christ, studying the Bible and applying scripture to daily life. More importantly, he lived out his beliefs and served as an example of love for neighbor, kindness and forgiveness towards those who mistreat you, humility and gratitude for all of God’s blessings! During the last few months of his life, family and friends watched him endure mental and physical challenges with such grace and dignity. He was filled with gratitude to God and others despite his limitations. God allowed him to testify to many on his death bed without saying a word. Think about that for a moment. My Dad’s response to his circumstances spoke volumes to those far and near. He praised God and offered parting words that reinforced his values, faith and God’s love for mankind.
Paul said in 2 Timothy 4:7-8, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.”
Sadly, my dad’s assignment on earth is complete. He’s in the presence of Jesus. We love you daddy but God loved you more. Rest in his arms and enjoy your heavenly rewards. We will continue your legacy of faith and love until we meet again.
With gratitude,
…And so a new chapter begins, but still with the presence of your loved one. While on this earth he instilled values, love, confidence and most of all Jesus Christ in his family, friends and so many others. His son spoke real words of truth about the the actual life lessons that were taught by his dad. What an amazing way to leave a legacy. My regret is that I did not make better use of the wealth of knowledge that was available. Stay Strong in God…Your Everyday Guide.
Thank you Marilyn! We are truly blessed and grateful for everything he poured into us. Thanks for stopping by the site to check out the blog post.
Most definitely he have fought a good one. Legacy teaching God’s word to his family, friends. whoever came in his path. The spiritual mentor will never be forgotten and remembrance of our family togetherness will never end. He kept our family together with laughter and many generations. The Lord is our protector through it all.
Amen!! We will treasure the memories.
Yes, the battle is fought and the victory is won! He exemplified love not only in word but in deed. So many lives were touched through his life’s mission. I give glory to God for the time we had with him and I will always cherish the memories made with him. As stated in your blog; we loved him but God loved him more. Thanks for sharing your thoughts of uncle and the treasures of life he instilled in you and all he came in contact with. Which is the word of the true and living father who will sustain until the end. Rest well Uncle.
Yes indeed! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Well written Angela! You can see that what he has taught you is displayed in your daily walk. Your faith in GOD and encouragement you give to others speaks volume; your daddy did a wonderful job. God Bless you all!
Thanks Jackie!
This is a beautiful eulogy to your father. It was so eloquently written. Thank God for blessing you with a father that instilled so many good values into your life.
Thanks Tiff! I appreciate the ongoing support.
Angela,
Everything you said about your dad is so beautiful and true. He was a real man of God. I thank God for the opportunity to know him as my pastor and friend. He will truly be missed. His legacy will reign forever.
May God bless you all.
Thanks for the kind words and affirmation of my dad’s legacy. It’s greatly appreciated.
Beautiful tribute to an awesome MOG…Rev was a Pastor who loved GOD & who loved GOD’S people. He always had a word for you. He would tell you to study to show thyself approval & rightly divide the word of truth.We need more people like Rev in this world to tell people Jesus loves you. You will be truly missed 💝💝
Thanks Kim! He certainly loved God and never met a stranger.
What a beautiful eulogy to your dad. God bless….The Lord is our protector and he has everything planned in our lives. He will guide us through these times… May God continue to bless you and your family. Stay strong and keep the faith.
Thanks Sherrie! God indeed is our protection and strength.
Beautifully written! Through this expression of love you are sharing your father with others. In doing so, his love speaks through you.
Awe! Thank you. I appreciate the encouragement and ongoing support from you and Mrs. Pringle.
Beautifully spoken Ann.
Your dad, Reverend Swackard, was indeed a man of integrity, courage and love for his family and others!
He lived to protect his family,
And served with compassion.
While only God can rightly assess the effect of a person’s life in all the ways it has influence; However, from my inspiration of him was the impact he made in my life and many all over the world. One of his favorite scriptures and I believe was one of his primary missions was John 3:16…“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life”.
I truly believe that one’s value of life is if a person can look back and say they impacted one person’s life for eternity — they’ve accomplished the mission. I believe Rev. Swackard life did just that. He impacted millions of lives for eternity.
The thing that I adored most about him is that he always had a big smile and the most humbling and giant of a man you would ever want to meet. He had this incredible, loving presence of a person for the masses, but when you were in a one-on-one conversation with him, you were the only person in the room.
Thanks Pam. He certainly had a way of making every person feel special and wanted them to know they had value. Thank you for sharing your fond memories. Much love and appreciation.