Mennonite Archives - Growing Through God's Word

A Dad’s Example

My dad was an emotional man. In the Mennonite community, this is not good. Years of ridicule from family and friends pushed him into a very private place with his prayer life. I never saw my dad pray and he wouldn’t read the Bible aloud in public. He left that to my mom while he sat in a corner hiding his tears.

Then my dad had a heart attack. We didn’t think he’d make it but he pulled through. When he got home, his entire world revolved around his love for Jesus. I remember approaching him and asking if we could pray together. For the first time, he said yes.

Dad and I prayed through the tears that day. The ridicule endured over a man’s role in the Mennonite tradition no longer mattered.

My dad and I prayed together often after that. I inherited his tearful petition style but I am so glad he freed me from feeling shame over it. I miss sharing a prayer with him but know he’s talking to Jesus face to face now.

Tammy Wiens

Tammy lives in Saskatchewan with her husband. They have four children. She enjoys gardening, walks along the beach and being on the farm. She has a passion for her faith, studying the Bible and prayer.

She has published two books; Where a Little Rain Comes Down and Making the Bitter Sweet. A short story, “May’s First Christmas” appeared in Christmas Chaos, a collection of stories about Christmas experiences that don’t make the fronts of Christmas cards. “Careful What You Whisper” is another short story about Tammy’s experiences after breaking her back. It can be found in A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider. Visit T. L. Wiens for more information about Tammy’s books and workshops.