By Adelaide Aiken, Class of 2026
We’ve all heard the phrases: “Run to your Father,” “You are a child of God,” or the familiar opening of the Lord’s Prayer, “Our Father...” I’ve heard these truths my entire life, but if I’m being honest, they never felt real to me—at least, not until my time as a Charlotte Fellow.
For a long time, I viewed God primarily as an authoritative figure: the one calling the shots, keeping order, and taking care of business. While those things are true, focusing solely on His authority caused me to neglect His heart. I forgot that while He is indeed the King who is in charge, He is also my Father.
Thankfully, the Fellows program has provided a safe space to explore this internal wrestling. I wasn’t even aware of my skewed perspective until I began opening up to my peers, who encouraged me to be honest and met me exactly where I was. During this time, I also picked up a little yellow book called Enjoy Your Prayer Life by Michael Reeves. In it, Reeves points out that when Jesus prays, He addresses God as Father. He argues that this isn't just a title; it’s a total shift in our approach. It means we aren't just subjects talking to a ruler; we are children talking to a parent who truly delights in us.
I know that this truth is so simple and essential, and is something I’ve been taught all along, but I feel like I’ve finally “caught” it. Approaching God as a good and loving Father has changed everything for me and my fellow Fellows have truly led by example in that shift. They’ve helped me move my prayer life away from a transaction and toward a deep sense of belonging. I’m finding that I don’t have to perform; I can simply show up as a child who is already deeply loved and cared for. I am finally learning to walk through life knowing that He isn't just watching me from a distance, He is holding my hand every step of the way.