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Our Fathers Who Art In Heaven: And What They Continue To Teach Us

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Unfortunately this is another excellent book that many people will pass over without even opening the cover because of the title. After reading the book I found it very enjoyable but not at all what I had expected. I had expected it to be a New Age book about various fatherly spirits. A quick check with others to see what they thought the book would be about based solely on the title and everyone came up with similar comments. Noone was even close. Notwithstanding the poor title (which does make sense once you read the book), if you miss it you will miss an excellent read. Author Gerry Murak has put together the stories of several people who share specific incidents in their lives where their father taught them an important life skills lesson. The stories provide insight into some of the best examples of excellent fathering and nurturing that I have ever read. If you've had a great father in your life you will find stories here to remind you of him. If you didn't then here is your chance to learn what makes a good father and how good a father you can be. Our Fathers Who Art In Heaven is highly recommended and an excellent gift for a new father or anyone missing theirs.

When you look at the title of this book-and the cover with its picture of clouds, you may suspect that this is one of those far-out religious books. No, it isn't. It is spiritual, but not by the text. The message may have religious overtones-if you're religious. The powerful value of this unassuming little book is in the heart and mind of the reader.

This volume is a collection of short stories from the author and a number of other people, talking about their fathers, their experiences, and the impact their fathers had on their lives. You may come close to tears a few times as you feel what the authors are writing about. If your reading experience is anything like mine was, you'll gain a fresh, new understanding of your father's influence on who you are today.

The stories are organized by category in the book: Attitude, Integrity, Memories, Determination, Compassion, Wisdom, Inspiration, Character, Nature, and Courage. Investing a few minutes with this book will pay dividends for years to come. My wife noticed a significant change in my demeanor right away.

If your father has passed, refresh the memories with this book as the key. If your father is still alive, expect to gain insights that will draw you closer to the special man in your life. Recommended for people who have lost their father, as well as for today's father who wants to know how Dad managed to do such a fine job of raising you. Today's fathers will learn lessons from this book that will empower you to be the kind of father your children want you to be.

The stories in this book not only reflect the lives of men that we might have known, but show the impact they had on those who loved them. A moving testimony to the importance of human interaction, filled with comforting and enlightening moments. You would do well to add this one for your library. The stories chosen have a ring of truth that touches the heart and mind.

How would you like to read a story about your father?

You can, in "Our Fathers Who Art in Heaven." You won't see his name but in this book of essays, you'll recognize at least some of his strengths and even quirks.

The book is a compilation of short stories about the authors' late fathers. The title is taken from the opening of the Lord's Prayer.

One day, Gerry Murak was filling the tank of his boat at a gas station. On the other side of the pump, a motorcyclist was filling his tank. The motorcycle was elaborately painted, a tribute to the cyclist's father, whose World War II airplane bore similar art.

He gave Murak, who collected the essays and published the book, two pages he had written on his father. Murak solicited contributions through his Web site and selected a series of additional essays, which he grouped according to themes, such as Integrity, Determination, and Character.

Dan Markham, a good-field/no-hit Little League baseball player, was crestfallen over not having made the all-star team. His dad and coach noticed that the best hitter in the league also had not been selected, most likely because of internal politics among the teams, parents, and coaches. The elder Markham took up the kid's cause, held fast for another round of balloting, and made the case for the hitter's election. Sure enough, the skilled but unpopular ballplayer made the all-star team in the final round of voting.

Even though he couldn't have picked the kid out of a police lineup, according to Markham, his father had the integrity to stand for what is right. And that's the value the son best remembers in his father.

Or how about Mess Sergeant Muzzy, USMC, father to Thomas Edward? Because his football coach couldn't pronounce his Polish last name, he became Muzzy for life. During the Second World War in response to complaints about the food, Mess Corporal Muzzy took souvenirs from combat Marines and swapped them for fresh and frozen food from Navy ships in a harbor. It wasn't long after that he was promoted to Mess Sergeant.

After the war, Muzzy settled down and raised a family, becoming to his son hunting instructor, baseball coach, scout master, football coach, and fishing buddy. At a Mass on the first anniversary of Muzzy's death, the celebrant was a Marine Corps chaplain, a friend of the Edwards' vacationing pastor.

The stories are a quick read. Some are sentimental, some are humorous, and some are thoughtful. They are all tributes to the fathers of the writers.

That doesn't mean a dad has to be "in heaven" to be admired. If he is, these stories will strengthen the memories. If he's still with you, you'll find even greater reason to revere him.