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Finding My Father's Faith
The daughter of a beloved and devout Presbyterian pastor, Wynne Leon wandered from the fold as she grew up and moved away from home.
Now, in her deeply moving memoir about finding healing through the reconciliation between her own spiritual practices and her father’s Christian faith, Leon explores solace and healing in the most unexpected places.
Drawing from the work of famed psychiatrist and author Dr. Scott Peck, Leon explores the stages of faith and how, despite the love, commitment, and respect in her childhood home, she didn’t follow her parents into the church as an adult.
Regardless of the likely disappointment this caused her father, he remained kind, loving, and open to dialogue. As Leon turned to meditation to cope with challenges in her life, she realized that despite the differences in actual beliefs, she and her father shared a lot of common ground. As they discussed these connections, Leon’s respect for her father grew even more—and she began to record their conversations.
Helpful for parents and children who diverge in their beliefs but remain committed to each other, Finding My Father’s Faith celebrates the unbreakable bond of love.
Now, in her deeply moving memoir about finding healing through the reconciliation between her own spiritual practices and her father’s Christian faith, Leon explores solace and healing in the most unexpected places.
Drawing from the work of famed psychiatrist and author Dr. Scott Peck, Leon explores the stages of faith and how, despite the love, commitment, and respect in her childhood home, she didn’t follow her parents into the church as an adult.
Regardless of the likely disappointment this caused her father, he remained kind, loving, and open to dialogue. As Leon turned to meditation to cope with challenges in her life, she realized that despite the differences in actual beliefs, she and her father shared a lot of common ground. As they discussed these connections, Leon’s respect for her father grew even more—and she began to record their conversations.
Helpful for parents and children who diverge in their beliefs but remain committed to each other, Finding My Father’s Faith celebrates the unbreakable bond of love.
190 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 6, 2015
1 person want to read
About the author
Wynne Leon
4 books7 followersWynne Leon is a business owner specializing in helping corporations collaborate through the use of web technologies. She holds a bachelor's of science degree in electrical engineering from the University of Washington.
As the daughter of a preeminent Presbyterian minister, she authored a memoir about the confluence of her beliefs and her father's beliefs in the wake of his untimely death. She has also co-authored two technical books.
An enthusiast of endurance adventures, Leon is an amateur mountain climber and a mom.
As the daughter of a preeminent Presbyterian minister, she authored a memoir about the confluence of her beliefs and her father's beliefs in the wake of his untimely death. She has also co-authored two technical books.
An enthusiast of endurance adventures, Leon is an amateur mountain climber and a mom.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 27, 2023
I loved every bit of this powerful story...all about a daughter's love and respect for her talented father. Dick Leon's humility and generosity resonated on every page and his capacity to love his daughter - fully, completely and with wholehearted regard as she sought her own path to faith and awareness? Endearing and joyous. Thank you, Wynne, for sharing your remarkable father with your readers.
April 17, 2024
“Finding My Father’s Faith” is a memoir about the life of Pastor Richard “Dick” Leon, written by his daughter Wynne Leon. It was a fascinating book, and Wynne is a great writer who knows how to connect the story with the audience. The introduction is a powerful example of this. On page 13, Wynne introduces Kaylee, a 17-year-old young woman who tried to help Dick Leon during his accident. About Dick Leon, Kaylee wrote the following: “Dear Mr. Leon, I met you at the end of your life but you have inspired me to continue mine.” With this powerful quote, Wynne sets the tone for a very inspirational memoir about a great man, husband, father, and community leader that will help you find your own faith or, in my case, validate your belief system.
The book is structured into 17 chapters where Wynne seamlessly weaves together Dick’s life with her own narrative as she embarks on a journey to discover her faith. Within each chapter, she skillfully incorporates glimpses of her personal journey, intertwining it with her father’s experiences and Christian beliefs. Additionally, Wynne thoughtfully includes devotional passages written by her father, meticulously chosen to complement the unfolding narrative.
In the opening chapters, Wynne describes the beginning of her journey into motherhood and reflects on her father’s ministry in the Philippines. As the narrative progresses, the focus shifts to her father’s spiritual journey, tracing his path through formal theological education and life as a pastor until his retirement. Concurrently, Wynne shares her own exploration of faith, weaving in themes of introspection and meditation throughout her personal narrative.
Here are some highlights from the book and favorite quotes:
“I didn’t think much about faith or spirituality until my path in life became messy and I stumbled into a spiritual practice of my own.” (P. 25)
The story starting on page 41 about how her father survived dysentery when he was a baby and the faith of his mother during that difficult time was excellent and worth meditating on the importance of that moment, especially the way Dick Leon responded when he heard the story, “He thought that the story was interesting but he was a firm believer in free will.” This last part, “free will,” has a lot of theological implications.
“He (Dick) approached situations, including parenting, with an intent to be useful, supportive and encouraging and the results most often matched his intent.” (P. 60)
Chapter nine describes how Dick Leon went to India to learn eastern philosophies, religions, and cultures to expand his understanding and learn how to relate with others was fascinating and illuminating.
Wynne includes a portion of her father’s devotional, “The Good, The Right, and the True,” in Chapter 9 that is very good. Describing Paul’s ministry, Dick Leon wrote, “Paul uses this imagery of being in the dark to describe what life was like for us before we came to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. And then he gives three great marks of what it is to live in the light of Jesus Christ: What is Good… the quality of doing kind and thoughtful things that build up others, family, friends, and even strangers. What is Right… the quality of having the wisdom and courage to serve the cause of justice in the inner world. What is True… the quality of speaking the truth at all times and always being true to our word.” (P. 81-82)
From the “Healing, If We Want it” devotional, “Jesus offers us wholeness and wellness. But we have to want it and all the joys, obligations, and responsibilities that come with being fit.” (P. 91)
Regarding an episode when Wynne was climbing Mt. Rainier, she wrote, “My dad made a joke of how surprising it must be to me that I had to report to my parents when I was in my 40’s. Then he said, “It’s okay, we forgive you.” That was it. He didn’t amplify the hurt, use it as an excuse not to watch the pets in the future or leverage it in any way. It was done. It felt like what forgiveness should really be, my true confession, no excuses, and my dad’s loving absolution.” (P. 123)
“I’ve thought this often about you and your world with all the disciplines that are so wonderfully therapeutic. It seems to me that Christ is equally as present and could be equally named and known to you. The disciplines in a sense are more along the horizontal level than perhaps the vertical level (reaching up to God) and Christ honors anything that makes us more what God wants us to be.” (P. 167-168)
The book is jam-packed with nuggets of knowledge that will satisfy any reader’s intellectual curiosity. It is well-written and is a great source for those who are struggling with the question of faith. It also touches on the topic of meditation and how this practice can improve your life. But the main objective of the book was to introduce the life of this great man and, in my opinion, Wynne did an excellent job. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
The book is structured into 17 chapters where Wynne seamlessly weaves together Dick’s life with her own narrative as she embarks on a journey to discover her faith. Within each chapter, she skillfully incorporates glimpses of her personal journey, intertwining it with her father’s experiences and Christian beliefs. Additionally, Wynne thoughtfully includes devotional passages written by her father, meticulously chosen to complement the unfolding narrative.
In the opening chapters, Wynne describes the beginning of her journey into motherhood and reflects on her father’s ministry in the Philippines. As the narrative progresses, the focus shifts to her father’s spiritual journey, tracing his path through formal theological education and life as a pastor until his retirement. Concurrently, Wynne shares her own exploration of faith, weaving in themes of introspection and meditation throughout her personal narrative.
Here are some highlights from the book and favorite quotes:
“I didn’t think much about faith or spirituality until my path in life became messy and I stumbled into a spiritual practice of my own.” (P. 25)
The story starting on page 41 about how her father survived dysentery when he was a baby and the faith of his mother during that difficult time was excellent and worth meditating on the importance of that moment, especially the way Dick Leon responded when he heard the story, “He thought that the story was interesting but he was a firm believer in free will.” This last part, “free will,” has a lot of theological implications.
“He (Dick) approached situations, including parenting, with an intent to be useful, supportive and encouraging and the results most often matched his intent.” (P. 60)
Chapter nine describes how Dick Leon went to India to learn eastern philosophies, religions, and cultures to expand his understanding and learn how to relate with others was fascinating and illuminating.
Wynne includes a portion of her father’s devotional, “The Good, The Right, and the True,” in Chapter 9 that is very good. Describing Paul’s ministry, Dick Leon wrote, “Paul uses this imagery of being in the dark to describe what life was like for us before we came to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. And then he gives three great marks of what it is to live in the light of Jesus Christ: What is Good… the quality of doing kind and thoughtful things that build up others, family, friends, and even strangers. What is Right… the quality of having the wisdom and courage to serve the cause of justice in the inner world. What is True… the quality of speaking the truth at all times and always being true to our word.” (P. 81-82)
From the “Healing, If We Want it” devotional, “Jesus offers us wholeness and wellness. But we have to want it and all the joys, obligations, and responsibilities that come with being fit.” (P. 91)
Regarding an episode when Wynne was climbing Mt. Rainier, she wrote, “My dad made a joke of how surprising it must be to me that I had to report to my parents when I was in my 40’s. Then he said, “It’s okay, we forgive you.” That was it. He didn’t amplify the hurt, use it as an excuse not to watch the pets in the future or leverage it in any way. It was done. It felt like what forgiveness should really be, my true confession, no excuses, and my dad’s loving absolution.” (P. 123)
“I’ve thought this often about you and your world with all the disciplines that are so wonderfully therapeutic. It seems to me that Christ is equally as present and could be equally named and known to you. The disciplines in a sense are more along the horizontal level than perhaps the vertical level (reaching up to God) and Christ honors anything that makes us more what God wants us to be.” (P. 167-168)
The book is jam-packed with nuggets of knowledge that will satisfy any reader’s intellectual curiosity. It is well-written and is a great source for those who are struggling with the question of faith. It also touches on the topic of meditation and how this practice can improve your life. But the main objective of the book was to introduce the life of this great man and, in my opinion, Wynne did an excellent job. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
October 1, 2023
Finding My Father's Faith is a moving memoir by daughter Wynne Leon as she and her father work together in open dialogue to understand each other's point of view regarding religion. Wynne's father, Dick was a longtime Presbyterian minister, and one might assume he felt disappointed when his children did not share the same commitment to his faith. The beauty of their relationship is they accepted each other's views without judgment and their differences didn't affect their mutual love and respect.
Dick and Wynne have the sweetest father/daughter relationship. Two years before Dick's sudden and unexpected death, Wynne decides she wants to better understand how her father's faith shaped and guided his life. She takes the bold step of delving into the subject through conversations with her dad as well as reading some of his sermons and papers. What evolves is a further closeness as they find peace and understanding. Wynne's mother, Carolyn, is also an integral part of the story. Carolyn and Dick have a beautiful marriage for 53 years and do an amazing job as parents. She contributes valuable information to complete some of the missing pieces of the puzzle.
Wynne finds peace, comfort, and enlightenment through meditation while Dick's finds strength through the Lord. Yet, neither father or daughter judge the other for their beliefs. In fact, both are incredibly open-minded as they further try to understand each other's point of view.
Though Dick passes before Wynne can share some important news (no spoilers) from her life with him, she reveals many of her personal thoughts by finishing this project. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to work on their relationship with their parent(s).
Dick and Wynne have the sweetest father/daughter relationship. Two years before Dick's sudden and unexpected death, Wynne decides she wants to better understand how her father's faith shaped and guided his life. She takes the bold step of delving into the subject through conversations with her dad as well as reading some of his sermons and papers. What evolves is a further closeness as they find peace and understanding. Wynne's mother, Carolyn, is also an integral part of the story. Carolyn and Dick have a beautiful marriage for 53 years and do an amazing job as parents. She contributes valuable information to complete some of the missing pieces of the puzzle.
Wynne finds peace, comfort, and enlightenment through meditation while Dick's finds strength through the Lord. Yet, neither father or daughter judge the other for their beliefs. In fact, both are incredibly open-minded as they further try to understand each other's point of view.
Though Dick passes before Wynne can share some important news (no spoilers) from her life with him, she reveals many of her personal thoughts by finishing this project. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to work on their relationship with their parent(s).
April 7, 2024
A wonderful memoir of family and faith. A page turner I read in a weekend, and full of depth ( I had to grab a highlighter). Wynne shares the incredible life her pastor father lived, and the values he held which made his life so full and meaningful. As I read I kept thinking - “I wish I could have met him.”
Wynne also did an excellent job weaving her own faith journey into the story. (I’d enjoy learning more about her journey too - maybe another memoir someday? :) ) I appreciated how both her and her father had an open minded view of God, allowing each to accept and respect the other’s faith. Still the book contained many wonderful quotes from her father’s sermons which were rich with encouragement and knowledge for Christians.
Wynne also did an excellent job weaving her own faith journey into the story. (I’d enjoy learning more about her journey too - maybe another memoir someday? :) ) I appreciated how both her and her father had an open minded view of God, allowing each to accept and respect the other’s faith. Still the book contained many wonderful quotes from her father’s sermons which were rich with encouragement and knowledge for Christians.
June 2, 2023
A super sweet reflection on the life and influence of a very special man.
What a life! The author's father is a fascinating study. What she shares of her own life is no less interesting. Her honest introspection is refreshing and thought-provoking. I especially enjoyed her experiences mountain climbing and how she worked them in to the overarching theme of how her father influenced and helped form her. Her final words are very satisfying, and I can't help but be a little sad at never having gotten to meet this terrific man myself.
What a life! The author's father is a fascinating study. What she shares of her own life is no less interesting. Her honest introspection is refreshing and thought-provoking. I especially enjoyed her experiences mountain climbing and how she worked them in to the overarching theme of how her father influenced and helped form her. Her final words are very satisfying, and I can't help but be a little sad at never having gotten to meet this terrific man myself.
July 6, 2025
Wynne is the daughter of a universally loved pastor whose legacy included a life of service and encouragement following Christ's example. Wynne chose not to follow his example in adulthood but after some major betrayals, she wanted answers. Spending time with her father, even with his sermon notes, she begins to come to terms with finding herself through meditative practices, including mountain climbing. Powerful and tender.
November 26, 2023
I'm not a huge fan of memoir, but for what it is, this book is a well-written, heartfelt tribute to the author's relationship with her father and her personal journey of spirituality.
November 21, 2015
What a wonderful book. I could see Wynne Leon's father in every sentence. It was very well put together, it would make a wonderful Christms gift for anyone who knew Dick Leon. The depth of his faith is evident as well as the struggle Wynne had to find her own path. It will be helpful to all seekers...
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