There are many wonderful reasons why I believe that a tribute is absolutely fitting for my dear father. In preparation to write this tribute, I thought of several “bold” or “catchy” headings such as “My Dad—a true Christian,” “My Dad—a One-of-a-kind,” “My Dad—a real Gentleman,” and “My Dad—what a Man!” However, knowing that my father wouldn’t want these accolades, I believe he would suggest making the heading simply “My Dad—a Tribute.”
My dad, Eglon Cutberth Daniels was born January 19, 1904 and passed away at age 87. He was one of twelve siblings. I am one of three siblings—a sister and a brother.
The intent of this blog is to express gratitude, respect, and admiration for the man who with my dear mother created a christian environment in our home to raise their three children. My inspiration to write is taken from the text, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6). My father was motivated and committed to put that in practice.
Being a dedicated Christian, my dad applied the Scriptures in how to live an exemplary life not only before his children, but also before others as well. His motivating text was, “Whoever walks in uprightness fears the LORD, but he who is devious in his ways despises him.” (Proverbs 14:2). To dad, this meant a conscientious and honest regard for moral principles. He was a firm believer in the Golden Rule, “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them.” (Matthew 7:12).
My dad was remarkably forbearing in his family life. He firmly believed in the practice of training his children to respect and obey their parents. And also to respect and have reverence for God. He reasoned that hitting or slapping as a means of disciplining his children should be extremely rare. He chose to use the “stern look” approach. When we misbehaved, we got that look, which meant stop what you are doing.
Because of his strong allegiance to the Almighty, my father taught his family that there was no higher authority in their lives than God’s Word, the Bible. And in doing so, we developed great respect and reverence for God and the Scriptures. On the preface page of his Bible he wrote, “This Book will keep me from sin, or sin will keep me from this Book.”
Generally speaking, dad was a quiet, reserved, thoughtful, kind, and godly gentleman. He was very neighborly in his home community. Always ready and willing to reach out and help others.
For many years my dad co-pastored a local church. The church grew both spiritually and numerically over the years. Many came to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ in response to the gospel, or good news, he believed in, and faithfully preached. He also baptized many during his tenure. The apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved.” (1 Cor. 15:1,2). Amen.
I learned this while growing up. It costs nothing to say you are christian.However, it costs everything to live the Christian life. Words are no substitute for actions. The world needs more ‘doers’ of the christian faith rather than hearers only. The Bible says, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22).
In reviewing my life, and especially being a Christian, I realize much gratitude is owed to my godly father because he took time to teach and instruct his children in the right and proper way to live, especially during those childhood years. This indeed has had a profound and lasting influence not only in my spiritual development, but also as a responsible and disciplined individual.
Today, Eglon Cutberth Daniels is in heaven. Surely God will richly reward him for his unwavering faith and faithfulness. The following text is most fitting for him, and all Christians who know the Lord. He believed in, and obeyed the excellent doctrines of the Christian faith.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7,8).
Thanks, dad, for your wholehearted support in raising me as one of your children. I wish you were still alive today. However, I must acknowledge you are in a far better place. Heaven, not earth, is the Christian’s eternal home. Paul wrote, ”For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.” (1 Corinthians 13:12).