“Where Is My Father?”

By Brandon Grant

Twenty-seven years and I’ve finally made contact with my biological father.

On July 27, 2015, I found the courage to pick up the phone and reach out to my biological father, Kent Ivory Johnson. After twenty-seven years of curiosity, I finally wanted to know what this man looked and sounded like.

The topic of our biological father comes up between me and my twin sister literally once a year. We ask one another how we feel or if we want to meet the man who is suppose to be our father. Immediately we respond, “NO, what for? ‎”

In that moment I didn’t have any desire to meet the man. Although I’d be lying if I said the idea of knowing who he was and what he looked like hasn’t lingered in my head at times.

There was never and still isn’t a desire to build a relationship with him, but you know what they say, “In order to know where you are going you have to know where you are from”.

I decided to take the plunge. ‎I reached out to him. I initially sent a text. No response. I then called. I was greeted by a man who spoke well. He said, “Hello, yes. Okay. Okay.” And the next thing I heard was a dial tone. He hung up on me. Initially, I couldn’t believe it. I called back three times, only to have the calls forwarded to a voicemail.

Since making the attempt to reach out to my biological father I’ve learned that the hole or void I’ve been trying to fill from the absence of my Earthly father figure has been filled by my Heavenly Father. The only Father I’ve ever needed.

Contacting my biological Father ended with me hearing his voice for this time followed by a quick dial tone (click) and three forwarded calls after that. Some would call this unsuccessful; I choose to call it a success.

This phone call was the catalyst I needed for me to finally pursue the man who has been calling out to me for so long, God. It’s as if God was saying, “Look here dumb, dumb now that you have that out of the way, HELLO I’m over here. I’m waiting. I’m the only Father you’ve ever needed.”

Growing up, I had everything I could ever ask for and more. I had and still do have two great parents, Gina Grant-Thomas and Arthur Thomas who have supported me. They love me and provide me all the tools I need to be a good man. I have two beautiful sisters and a younger brother who are more entertaining than any episode of Saturday Night Live. ‎LOL!

My parents have done a great job raising me, advising me and kicking my butt when needed. Most parents wouldn’t do what they’ve done for me at this point in life. I am grateful and blessed to have these two as my parents. More so, I’m super proud of who I’ve become.

After reaching out to my biological father I now have closure with that chapter of my life. I’m now on the journey of knowing who my Heavenly Father is. This Journey hasn’t been easy. I doubt that it will get any easier, though I believe I’m now ready to pursue LIFE with new meaning and purpose. I now know who my Father is.