The borders of the rising sun spill over the eastern mountains of Uzbekistan, bathing the wondrous city of Tashkent in a golden light. The borders of daily life emerge as a woman sweeps the walk around the fountain park, her quiet work a stark contrast to the chaos of the world around her. Poverty emerges with unyielding persistence—its hand extended, its face pleading for mercy.
The borders of traffic press uncomfortably close, with Damas vans darting through narrow gaps, squeezing past with mere inches to spare. Their speeds are astonishing, their movements reckless.
Abdulvahob all Smiles
The borders of labor are relentless, stretching across six days a week, ten to twelve hours a day. These lives ache for rest, for renewal, for the Lord of the Sabbath to bring them peace.
Our mission in Tashkent was clear: to teach an Emergency Medicine
First Responder course to police, fire, and military personnel. In a
nation bridging past and future, we sought to impart knowledge and
skills to those tasked with saving lives. From classrooms to
practical demonstrations, we watched as our students absorbed every
detail with eagerness and determination. It was a humbling reminder
of how borders of understanding can be bridged with patience,
compassion, and the desire to serve.
There are the borders of hospitality—a warm Russian welcome on a Thursday evening. Toasts of vodka flow freely. “Men drink vodka in Russia, don’t you know?” she says with both determination and laughter. The room is alive with smiles, camaraderie, and warmth. What a difference eleven years can make in a land once cloaked in Soviet oppression. Now, the borders of Uzbekistan slowly open, embracing a new way of life, a cautious but hopeful freedom.
On Friday evening, the borders of Uzbek hospitality take center stage. Pilaf is served, Nurullo extends friendship, and the floor becomes our table, where conversation, laughter, and stories are shared. Photographs capture these cherished moments, snapshots of lives intertwined for a brief but meaningful time.
The borders of their minds are radiant, their intellects sharp. Their hunger for education is palpable, their eagerness to apply new skills inspiring.
The borders of the market burst with vibrancy, offering a kaleidoscope of sights and scents: fruits and nuts, meat, and the unmistakable aroma of bread. Spices are bartered for, eggs exchanged, and melons savored for their splendorous taste.
Children of Uzbekistan
Yet, amidst this cultural richness lie the borders between two distinct worlds—the Russian and Uzbek cultures, each with its language, faith, and personality. Their coexistence tells a story of adaptation and, at times, tension.
There are deeper borders still, those within the hearts of men—prejudice, sin, and darkness. These are the borders I have encountered on this remarkable journey. These invisible walls surround us all, no matter where we are. We live within the bounds of a universe so wonderfully created, and yet we constantly invent new borders—barriers that grow into walls, walls that prevent the love of our fellow man from reaching our hearts.
Might I be so bold as to say I know the answer to these borders? He is the Creator, the one who declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” He came to tear down these barriers, to provide a new and perfect way.
May my life be free of borders—open to my family, my friends, and my neighbor, even those halfway across the globe.
This felt like a beautiful anthem to showcase a life without borders ...
First thoughts... what might they be? Not the father I would have
chosen. But... it seems the opportunity to choose your own father is
yet to come.
One time—yes, only one lone time—do I recall
him ever saying, “Son, I’m proud of you.” I do remember hugs
and hearing, “I love you.” Indeed, that is good!
Then there were the baseball games—two hundred
of them. Can you say, “Less than a handful”? I cannot picture,
even in the faintest corners of my mind, a single moment of him
watching me play. I cannot envision his face at any game. But...
surely, he must have been there. Don’t you think?
The above—yes, they are important, but are they
foremost? What is the most important responsibility of a father?
As I ponder this question, my eyes drift skyward
through the bay window. Another sunrise is lost behind the gray skies
of Oregon. Branches sway gently, shedding their final leaves, which
descend softly to the dampened earth. The sight of rain—a comfort
to me as refreshing as the Nevada desert—might be unwelcome to
others. Yet, to many, the anticipation of moisture for the coming
months is neither a welcomed sight nor thought.
This reflection delivers three amazing images of
what a father should be. And some might say, “Only Rick would put
it that way.” But consider this: the astonishing promise,
provision, and anticipation found in a sunrise and rain.
A Great Day!
Born without the choice of who our fathers will
be, I wish that every father would embrace the simple yet profound
promise to provide for their children. A fundamental responsibility
of fatherhood, don’t you think? And while both father and mother
have long since died, I am fairly certain that Richard Ray provided
little for his four children. This truth testifies to the strength of
Elizabeth Anne, who never once complained. How is that possible? How
does a father strike out on this, his most vital responsibility?
Then, there is anticipation. Just as each person
on this incredible planet eagerly awaits another sunrise, or as an
Oregonian anticipates months of gray skies and rainfall, should not a
son or daughter anticipate time with their father? Should they not
look forward to pearls of wisdom born from years of experience,
challenges, and growth? Sadly, we received little of that.
But... this reflection is entitled Three
Fathers.
From Richard Ray, I gleaned lessons primarily
about what not to do as a father. I mean no disrespect,
but...
Papa & Moma Jopp
Then, like a refreshing breeze on a scorching
summer day, in steps Robert Earl. As children, we immediately recognized his
love—not only for our mother but also for us, her children. He made
a promise to her, and that promise extended to us. The
responsibilities our mother once shouldered alone became shared
through marriage.
One rainy fall weekend, a scout trip nearly fell
apart. For Southern California boys, camping in the rain was worse
than being stuck at home writing a book report—remember those? Yet,
in stepped Robert Earl. Unfazed by the rain, he set up camp with the
same joy and energy as if it were a perfect, sunny day. His
infectious smile and cheerful demeanor transformed the dreary weekend
into a vibrant adventure.
Or consider the day I was thirteen, playing on my
Colts Babe Ruth baseball team. A meeting of managers and parents had
determined the fields required maintenance before the season. A
workday was scheduled, but like the scout trip, the weather was
dreary, and many opted to reschedule. Not Robert Earl! As others
debated what to do, he grabbed tools and led the charge. His
determination inspired others to follow, and with far fewer
volunteers than promised, the work got done.
Dad, these simple yet powerful acts have remained
with me for over fifty years. They stand as examples of some of the
most valuable lessons I have ever learned. A father’s promise
provided an example—the example of what it means to be a man. Thank
you!
Now, at sixty-six years old, I continue to
anticipate your promise and provision. You have profoundly influenced
my life and the lives of my siblings and all those you love. Robert
Earl, your steadfast example has shaped me, and I have made it my
mission to pass these same treasured principles to those in my life.
And who is this “Third Father”?
The concept, “I will never leave you, nor
forsake you,” is a promise that echoes throughout Scripture. First
spoken to Moses in Deuteronomy 31:6 as he prepared to pass the torch
of leadership, Moses reassures the Israelites and their new leader,
Joshua, of God’s unwavering presence. This promise is reaffirmed in
Joshua 1:5-9, where the Lord speaks directly to Joshua, calling him
to lead Israel into the Promised Land. Both passages are intertwined
with a powerful command: “Be strong and courageous.”
In the New Testament, Hebrews 13:5-6 expands this
timeless promise, applying it to human relationships and daily
provision. We are reminded that God’s presence is not confined to
moments of leadership or conquest but extends to every aspect of
life. His promise assures us that He is with us in every season,
weaving people into our lives in ways we may not expect.
Whether they are beloved companions, adversaries,
or strangers, each plays a role in His divine plan. Additionally,
God’s provision teaches us to place our trust in Him rather than
material wealth or human solutions. In all things, He is our ultimate
source of security and sufficiency.
Our Heavenly Father’s promise is unchanging: He
will never leave us nor forsake us. He walks with us through every
joy, every challenge, and every relationship. His steadfast presence
gives us the courage to be strong, the assurance to move forward in
faith, and the peace to be content, knowing that He is—and always
will be—enough.
So, there it is... three fathers and their son.
Though Richard Ray was not the father I would have
chosen, I know that our Heavenly Father placed him in my life for a
reason. Many of those reasons taught me what not to do, yet
they also guided me to different conclusions.
And even in the imperfections, I am grateful.
Grateful that reflection and grace allow me to glean positive moments
and meaningful lessons. Every experience, even those shaped by flaws,
has contributed to who I am today.
Our Heavenly Father, in His infinite wisdom, uses
every circumstance to shape us, grow us, and teach us. And for that,
I remain deeply thankful.
I recognize that the significance of the father is deeply woven
throughout Scripture, offering us profound insights into its meaning
and importance. From the faith and legacy of Father Abraham
to the tender compassion of the father who runs toward the
Prodigal Son, the role of the father is a recurring theme of
strength, love, and reconciliation. Scripture also commands us to
"Honor your father and mother" (Exodus 20:12),
highlighting the sacred bond and responsibility inherent in this
role.
These examples—and many more—point to the rich possibilities
within the idea of 'father.' My prayer and hope are that I, and we as
fathers, can continually seek wisdom and grace to fulfill the calling
of fatherhood, striving to become the fathers our children need. Let
us reflect the love, guidance, and faithfulness of our Heavenly
Father, whose example is perfect and unwavering.
