Still Covered: A Post-Father’s Day Reflection

Title: Still Covered: A Post-Father’s Day Reflection

By Danara Renee Barlow

Father’s Day just passed, and I’ve been sitting with my thoughts—letting them rise, fall, and settle.

I was about seven years old when my father was killed in a drive-by shooting. That kind of pain doesn't always show up loudly. Sometimes, it hides behind busy schedules and small talk. But when Father’s Day rolls around, it knocks quietly on the door of my heart.

It’s a strange feeling—being grateful for life, for growth, for healing—but still carrying this unfillable space. I don’t have the throwback pictures. I don’t have the “call your dad” moments. I don’t have the text threads or the memories that so many others get to cherish. I’ve learned to live with that. But this year… it hit different.

What made this year special, though, was how God showed up for me.

I was invited to two church services outside of my own. Completely unplanned. Completely on time. I ended up spending most of my day in worship, which, honestly, was the best place for me to be. Instead of sitting at home scrolling through Father’s Day posts and wrestling with sadness, I found myself surrounded by praise. Surrounded by presence. Surrounded by peace.

Rather than mourning the father I don’t have, I worshiped the Father I do.

And that reminder? It was everything.

God has placed so many men in my life over the years who’ve poured into me in different ways. Mentors, encouragers, protectors—each of them showing up just when I needed them. But even more than that, God Himself has fathered me. Comforted me. Provided for me. Redeemed me.

He saw fit not to let me face the day alone. And that matters.

“A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.”
— Psalm 68:5 (NIV)

So this week, as I look back, I’m holding space for both the ache and the awe.
I honor my father’s memory.
I give thanks for those who stood in the gap.
And I celebrate the One who’s never missed a moment.

Still here.
Still grateful.
Still covered.