I recently uploaded my pictures from
Christmas. Yes, it takes me a while. I found a picture I had
forgotten about. It was a darling picture of Sophie and my nieces.
As I looked at this picture, I saw such sweet innocence. Their
cheerful smiles and bright eyes made me wish the younger four could
stay this way forever. Too soon they will grow into preteens,
teenagers and young women. Gabrielle, the oldest, has grown into a
beautiful, bright young woman who loves the Lord.
When Sophie was four years old, I
painted on her wall, in big, bold letters Psalm 139:14 “I will
praise you because I am remarkably and wonderfully made; your works
are wonderful, and I know this very well.” We recited it every
night before bed. Since we have moved, she has asked me to paint it
in her new room. I want her to know right from the start that God
made her wonderful and beautiful, just the way she is.
I can't just talk about it though; I need to be a good example
for her. I’m learning it takes an effort to live that out
in front of her. I have to be careful not to let her see me fret
about my weight or hair or skin. I want to teach her that taking care of
herself is important because we are God’s temple and we are to
honor him with our bodies. (1 Corinthians 6:19,20) We try to eat
healthy, get exercise and dress appropriately as Christians. No, I don't believe we have to be covered from head to toe, but we are to dress modestly. (1
Timothy 2:9) I want her to have enough respect for herself and feel good enough about herself that when she is older, she doesn't feel the need to dress in a way that would draw negative attention and take focus off of who she really is on the inside. We like cute clothes and painting our toenails, but we
don’t over-emphasize our outer beauty because God looks on the
heart. (1 Samuel 16:7) 1 Peter 3: 3-4 says “Don’t be concerned
about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry or
beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the
beauty that comes from within...” I want our girls to know that
they are beautiful because God loves them and made them special.
They don’t have to look like anyone else but who they are.
Just like moms, dads play such an
important role in their daughters’ lives. If a Daddy loves his
little girl and is affectionate toward her and actively protects and
cares for her, his daughter will feel like she is worth being treated
with love and respect. Not only that, but if our daughters see Dad
treat Mom in a loving and respectful way, she will know how her
potential suitors should treat her. Daddies should be careful not
to demean women or make crude comments about women. Our daughters
are watching and listening.
Sophie has such a sweet nature and a
compassionate heart. Our prayer is that she would be sheltered by
our love and more importantly by God’s love so that the world
around her doesn’t steel that from her. So that she knows she has
a place where she is accepted and loved no matter what. A place where
she can bare her soul and not be condemned. A place where she can
make mistakes and be forgiven. A place where she can grow and learn
with all the support we can give her. A place where she is free to
sing and dance like no one is watching, even when we are.
Sophie and all of my nieces are unique
and wonderful, just the way God made them. My prayer is that they are
growing up with confidence in who God made them to be. As we
encourage our daughters’ strengths, assist them through their
weaknesses (without criticizing) and teach them about God’s love
for them, they will know who they are. They are not just our
princesses; they are princesses of the Most High King.
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