The Father Wound

By Terry Wardle

I spoke recently at a men’s event in Columbus. It was amazing. The theme was “The father blessing”, but in fact it was more about the father wound that most all the men carry in their hearts. A wound that is real, and deep, and all too often gets passed on to children. As I spoke I could see the Lord doing a deep work in the lives of these men. They were open, vulnerable, and desperate for the touch of Christ. 460 men of all ages were there. Many responded for ministry, and I was moved by the Lord’s tenderness.

On Saturday morning, I felt led to extend to the men a clear presentation of the Gospel, and invite those who had never received Christ to open their hearts to him. 25 men did so, and it was exciting. After the entire event was over, one of those men came up to me, deeply moved. He said that his wife was a Christian, and that she attended church with his children. But he did not. For some reason, he felt compelled to attend this event. He came alone, knowing no one. As I shared the Gospel, he experienced the presence of the Lord sweeping over him, and he gave his life to Christ. This young man, of maybe thirty or so, was tearful as he told me. He then said, “I can’t wait to go home and tell my wife what happened. It’s her birthday today, you know.” What a gift from the Lord!