My Dad’s Day of Birth!
Today is my father’s day of birth! He is 67 years old. I am grateful to God the Father for giving me the best “Daddy” in the WORLD! Not a single day goes by that I don’t examine the course of my life and use my father as the example and epitome of what it means to be a servant, lover of people, man of integrity, companion to my mother and spiritual leader. From a very young age, I’ve been a ‘Daddy’s boy’. I admired my father so much that I would get into his things (especially his books) just to have something that belonged to him. (Sidenote: 1) that didn’t always go so well 2) I’m now reaping the consequences of my actions through my own sons.) Long before I started preaching, he would let me ride with him to the local post office and Lifeway (then called “The Baptist Bookstore”). I loved to be around my Dad!!!! Even when I became a teenager and went through the period where he would ‘get on my nerves’, I still admired him, respected him and even wanted to be in his presence. He is a great man. Anyone who personally knows him would agree. He is a great Pastor. He is an awesome son. He is an exemplar of a husband and father. He has lead by example; and for that I am grateful.
I remember all of the moments of ‘correction’ he infringed upon me. It hurt me more emotionally than it did physically; because I knew that I had let him down and disappointed him. I also remember how he lovingly listened to me, prayed with me, sent me back to pray some more when I was struggling at 15 on the divine call to preach God’s Word. I remember how he would express his disappointment when I would make mistakes along the way. I also remember how he delicately, lovingly and spiritually walked with me when I made a relational mishap at only 19 and he (along with my mother) became an anchor in my time of storm. That was one of the darkest moments in my life; and he walked with me and became my cheerleader! I remember during that time, he sent me a ‘cassette tape’ in the mail. I put it in my Mitsubishi Eclipse to play; and he had recorded for me Donnie Mcklurkin’s “Stand.” Not only did that serve for me as a ‘kairotic’ moment; but God used Him to give me hope and peace during a very difficult time in my life. In turn, through every life victory…he has been there. Thank the Lord there have been more victories than defeats!!!
Unfortunately, I have not been the best son in the world, in many regards. While I haven’t burdened him with rebellious, embarrassing or traumatic life-decisions, events and actions, I haven’t always been the best at communicating my love in ways that can be felt and always heard. I am often ‘troubled’ by the fact that he gives more to me than I give to him. It seems that I could never outgive him; and that he will never be more prouder of me than I am of him…no matter where I travel, to whom I preach, how much I come to think I know, how great my wife and children are or what degrees and achievements may hang on the wall. But make no mistake. If I were standing in the presence of the Queen of England; and the President of the United States calls; and my Dad calls…..my father’s call is much more important. The President would have to wait. I love him! I respect him! And in my book….there is no greater man who has ever walked the earth, after Jesus Christ.
I don’t know how life will all work out. In fact, those who read my blog don’t know either. We have plans. But our plans are often thrown off course and cast into the river of history. My dad could outlive my entire immediate family and myself. That’s quite possible, as healthy as he is! But should the time come where I see his life eclipsed by the setting sun; and he sticks his platinum sword in the sand of time…my heart will inevitably break; and I will cry. My preaching would not be the same. My heart would not be the same. But at some moment, in some way….I will smile; and thank my Heavenly Father for counting me worthy to be the baby son (even though he wanted a girl!) of the greatest person born on May 28, 1949.
I can only pray for many more years of health, peace, joy and victory for my Dad…and the GREATEST year of life for him at 67!! Happy Birthday Daddy!
Kraig Lowell Pullam 
Wow! I am, to the say the least, ‘almost’ speechless; I did say ‘almost’ …lol. Thank you son for these kind, awesome and heartfelt words. I am blown away and so, so grateful to God. One of my chief prayers even as a very young man was that if God ever blessed me with children that I would be a good father. And, yes, I have tried in every way to be just that. It is, I must confess, a tall order and a tough job to be a good father. And it is a job that never ends :). But, oh, what a great job it is! It is such a blessing and a joy. Sometimes it is almost shocking to see so clearly pieces of ourselves in our children. The love of books, the passion for the Lord, the love of family, and the list goes on and on and on. Thank you son for who you are and the kind of husband, father, preacher, pastor and person that you have become. In this season of my life it brings me more joy than words could every express. I can’t take any credit for the kind of man and father I became; I had some very great examples. My Dad, my Grandfathers, my father-in-law and the list goes on and on. I was truly blessed to have marvelous blueprints to follow. And I thank God for leading, guiding and directing. Sixty-seven years! It is amazing how fast time flies! But, just as I have in every season of my life, I am totally enjoying the blessings of this season of life. And when I look back over my life I can truly say that God has been mighty good! I am and have been blessed beyond measure. A wonderful, beautiful and loving wife for almost 48 years now, wonderful children, grandchildren and now, great-grandchildren, as well as extended family. What a blessing!
Thank you again son for your wonderful blog. I have printed it as well as embedded it in my heart. I am proud of you and love you dearly son. Continue to allow God to use you. There are no limits! He will bless you and carry you to heights you never even imagined!
Wow…. Thanks for sharing your thoughts Dad. Love you much!!!
Kraig! What a wonderful tribute of love and affection that’s well deserved. Like me Kraig, we both were blessed to have wonderful fathers in the home while growing up. Yes, you were a Daddy’s boy. He had reached a goal in life just in time to have a closer emotional tie to you. He was military when Kevin was born and spent short absences during his formative years. When Keith came along he was a full time student at the University and a part time employee at the hospital. When you were born, college was done and he had just landed his dream job with IBM one month before you were born. He took full advantage of all he had missed with the first two trying to make it, for a better life for his family. But, then there are the elements of seeing so much of himself in you. Even at a young age, like your father, you wanted a wife rather than being a player. I married a wonderful man!! I knew exactly what I wanted in a man as a husband and father to my children. My daddy and both grandfather’s were the yard sticks. He exceeded my every expectation. I’ve been to wonderful places and seen things that he made possible. Not one day has he ever made me feel unloved, even in his Wullam moments, he’s never disrespected, physically harmed or degraded your Mother . We’ve been pretty doggone mad at each other but there were lines we just didn’t cross. I am happy that the thing most desired as we age is true…. the love and affection of our children. Thank you for this gift from the heart to your father. He IS a sentimental man, and becomes more and more so as he seasons.
Happy Birthday My Darling! You have always been my priceless gift. Your love for me is astounding! I pray you have always felt the love I have for you by me. I love you from the depths of my heart. I couldn’t imagine my life without you, or my life taken any other course. Our love and life was predestined by our Creator. We wasted NO time getting to it. I pray God’s choicest blessings upon you. Great health, quality of life, family, and love. I will always be your “Sweet Pea!” I’ll love you forever!
Thank you Momma for your words. Love you much!
I didn’t grow up with a father although I new him but didn’t have a relationship with him. I had some amazing father images in my life, a great Grand father, God father, uncles, etc….along with some of the great like Rev. Harold T. Branch, Pastor Harry Williams etc…. I did grow, listening to you preach the word of God, Pastor Pullam. I seen your love expressed through the word and through your actions, through every fiber of your children and your queen Sis. Vi.
Rev. Kraig, what beautiful tribute to your father. Happy 6⃣7⃣ Birthday Pastor. Thank you for your leadership, for a being faithful servant, man of integrity, a friend to all of us. God Bless you today and always. Thank you for making a difference in my life. Love, Gertrude
Absolutely beautiful tribute and sentiments! Happy Birthday Rev. Pullam..
This is so touching and wonderful Kraig. What a way to pay tribute to such a wonderful man of God. He is truely blessed to have so many that truely love and adore him God bless. Thanks for sharing such beautiful words. He is so blessed to have wonderful strong men as his sons who are true belivers just as he is in The Word of God.
What a fine gift to your dad!