“Always set a good example by doing what’s good, with integrity and sincerity." ~ Titus 2:7
There’s something beautiful about
the relationship between fathers and daughters. Dads seem good at things like
riding bikes, fixing things, and reading scary bedtime stories. Many fathers
walk the extra mile to spend time with their daughters, like doing tea parties,
shopping, and even taking them to a dance and make them feel special.
Sadly, not every girl gets to know what it’s like to have a
loving dad around, as was the case for 7-year-old Skylar. For the second year in a
row, her estranged father had promised to take her to the community’s Daddy-Daughter
Dance. Last year he failed to show. She hoped this year would be different.
In the days leading up to the dance, he was all Skylar could
talk about. She wanted everyone to know that she actually had a dad in her
life.
But Mom grew increasingly nervous.
Just days before the dance, Skylar’s father stopped taking her phone calls. It seemed apparent he’d miss the dance for a
second time, so she shared her skeptical thoughts with Skylar.
Skylar’s 11-year-old brother Christian knew the feeling all
too well. He’d been let down by the same man also. Caring for his little
sister’s tender feelings AND his Mom’s emotional state had often fallen on his
shoulders.
The big brother stepped up by offering to escort Skylar to
the dance. He wanted his sister to know that she deserves a man that keeps his
word and makes her feel special.
They scrambled to buy Christian a suit to match his sister’s
dress. Sure enough, dad missed out! Skylar’s
disappointment quickly turned to elation. Mom cried knowing that she was “raising
some woman a GREAT HUSBAND one day!!”
Indeed, Mom is nurturing a thoughtful young man. And Skylar
will forever know that her brother has her back. No doubt Christian will grow
up to be a kind man - and an amazing father! He’s already proved himself to be
one of the world’s best friends. His heart of gold proves he's a man of
compassion and sincerity.
Father figures don’t have to be biological fathers or dads
who are always physically present to have a positive impact on girls. They can
be any father- figure that’s emotionally invested and active in their lives –
at every stage of development.
Daughters who have strong relationships with their father or
a father-figure are known to get better grades, make more money, and be
emotionally resilient as adults.
Father God, “bless the men, that they may
find strength as fathers and mentors. Let
the example of their faith and love shine forth. Grant that we, their sons and daughters, may
honor them always with a spirit of profound respect.” ~ Unknown
