My dad died very suddenly.

My Bible: reasons to believe in the power of the Bible

‘My dad died very suddenly. He was a warehouse manager and had an accident at work. The week before, I’d been reading Philippians. I remember reading Philippians 4.8 which says, “Fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely and honourable.”

On the Saturday, I was meant to be playing football, but it was cancelled, so I went round to my parents’ house for dinner. Because of that verse, I told my Dad and my Mum about what great parents they were to me.I was able to thank my Dad for the great father that he had been.

He was dead on the Tuesday. That verse, and my faith, kept me strong. It helped me that I’d had those conversations with him. There was no sense of “I wish I’d said that”. That experience has made me think about the conversations I have each day.

Early in the morning, I sit with a cup of tea and the cat for ten minutes and read the Bible. It sets the agenda for the day. I always ask God, who do you want me to speak to today?

My Dad helped me look to God. He was a very gentle man who saw the best in people. He never put himself on a pedestal. He helped people along their journey of faith and in life.

I was only 30 when he went. I could do with him now. I could do with him in 10 years’ time. Sometimes I think it’s not fair, not on. But it is what it is. I can’t change it. God helps me in that pain and enables me to live how Dad would want me to live and how I want to too.’

Do you have a story to share? Email [email protected]