Be Not Afraid: A Father's Day Reflection

I wore my Be Not Afraid shirt the morning of my surgery last week.

It wasn’t a decision I overthought—just the shirt I reached for as I packed my hospital bag. But as I sat in the quiet early morning, waiting for check-in, I realized how much I needed those words on my heart and literally over it.

“Be not afraid.”
It’s the bold reminder Saint John Paul II gave the world, and one that has comforted me again and again—especially in moments when I’ve felt small or unsure. And that morning, I felt both.

As I waited, I was overwhelmed—not by fear, but by the love and prayers that had surrounded me in the days before. From my family, my friends… and you. The Sacred Heart of Jesus wrapped me in such peace. I felt held.

The Quiet Strength of Fathers

This Sunday is Father’s Day.

And while we may each celebrate it in different ways, I always want to pause and honor the men who lead, protect, and love with quiet courage—fathers, grandfathers, godfathers, priests, mentors, spiritual dads.

Their strength isn’t always loud. It often looks like showing up, staying steady, listening deeply, praying quietly. It’s the kind of love that grounds a family.

If you’re looking for a faith-filled gift for a dad or father figure in your life, the Be Not Afraid shirt is one I truly recommend—from experience. It’s simple, strong, and full of meaning. A wearable prayer for the one who always shows up.

A Gift with Meaning

The Be Not Afraid shirt features bold lettering inspired by Saint John Paul II’s words and comes in a variety of colors. Whether worn to Sunday breakfast or a weekend walk, it’s a statement of faith and strength that never goes out of style.

Give it to the man who taught you what courage looks like.
Or wear it yourself, and let Saint John Paul II’s words echo into the world.

This week, we honor all the men who reflect the love of the Father—and the One who tells us again and again:
“Be not afraid.”