Dad, I Need You

The truth be told, dads have a ridiculous amount of influence in their daughter’s lives. I think a lot of dads have backed off because modern-day daughters appear independent, capable, intelligent, and strong. A dad may think, “Look at her. She’s fine. She doesn’t need to hear from me.” And she is. But, she isn’t. 

We have this built-in need to know we are cared for, protected, appreciated, and known. When I say protected, I don’t mean locked up in an ivory tower and insulated from life. It simply means being known and cared for. There is safety in knowing that because someone is well acquainted (knows) with your heart (who you are), they are ready to jump into action in order to protect you (show they care) at any moment.  

Whenever Pastor Jim returns to a place he has ministered in before, there’s always an informal line-up of daughters who just want a hug. Daughters are either waiting in lines to be hugged by men who are willing to be dads, or they’re leaving in droves to find any guy who has empty arms and is willing to say at least a few words of affirmation to them. It’s how we’re made. 

We all need our dads to pursue us and work at knowing us. We need you to overlook our immaturity and rejection and still pursue us. Yes, it is work. And there is tons of warfare (spiritual tension—like a tug of war between heaven and hell). And, no, it won’t be comfortable. But if you could actually look into our hearts and see the power you have to bless our lives, affect our understanding of ourselves, and shape how we relate to men, I think you’d be utterly shocked and overwhelmed. 

Dads, God gave you to us on purpose. You have an incredible amount of influence in our lives. Ask God for a revelation of a daughter’s heart, and watch the women in your life change before your eyes as you reach out to bless and affirm them.