This Sunday My Daddy Came to Church

Omar loves going to church every Sunday with his mother. He loves putting on his best clothes, and meeting up with neighbors and his best friend, Imani, as they walk together to services. But his daddy doesn't join them. "Some Sundays are meant for doing much of nothing or a little bit of something," says his father. Or maybe the lawn needs mowing or a ballgame needs watching. Omar's mother doesn't get upset. Each Sunday she reminds Daddy that his suit is in the closet if he would like to attend church. But he never does and Omar wonders why. It bothers him that his father doesn't join them at this special place.

When Omar asks his mother about it, she talks to him about faith and belief. There are different ways to worship, and they don't have to take place in a building. But even with Mommy's reassurances, Omar still wishes his father would join them.

This new entry in Sleeping Bear Press's Own Voices, Own Stories collection celebrates the bonds of family. An honor winner in the Own Voices, Own Stories collection.