A daughter genuinely does want her dad’s approval, and her heart’s desire is for him to be her champion! As a daughter, Brenda steers us toward practical ways a father can build his relationship with his daughter.

Scripture

Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, and seeing [Jesus,] he fell at his feet and implored him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live.” And [Jesus] went with him. 

Mark 5:22-24

Reflect

Last week my husband and I went out for dinner. We observed several fathers eating dinner with their young daughters. Each girl was dressed in a pretty dress, had her hair fixed, and a couple girls even wore tiaras – princesses. The dads wore boutonnieres and each girl had a corsage. My heart was blessed to observe these special dinner dates.

Then I started to think about these father-daughter relationships at other times, during “real life.” A loving relationship takes more time and effort than putting on nice clothes, combing our hair, and eating dinner in a restaurant once a year. What can a father do each day to encourage love, seek enjoyment, and find delight in relationship with his daughter?

• Jesus cares and He wants us to bring our burdens to Him. The Bible records the story of a father who runs to Jesus with an urgent request. He falls at his feet and exclaims, “My daughter is going to die. Please come, heal her.” This dad knows there is something big happening in his family. And, he runs to Jesus. Wow! This should be our first response all of the time, for every situation in our lives!
• Fathers advocate for the well-being of a daughter. This young daughter needed someone to speak up and let her urgent need for life be made known. Her father was her representative – her champion and defender. I dare say after this life & death situation, Jairus’ love for his daughter became richer. He almost lost his little girl.
• Great fathers intentionally and regularly connect with daughters.  Seek to connect with your daughter each day and open conversations that will convey your genuine interest in her. Make a list of items you would like to have her share with you. Here are some suggestions to get your conversation started:
  • Who is the bravest person she knows?
  • What is something that bothers her in life right now and why?
  • What teacher would she like to trade places with for a day?
  • Ask her to tell you the earliest memory she has.

Daughters are treasures. They might make our lives a little more hectic. Daughters can always add a good dose of drama to the day. But they are good gifts…worth the time, energy, and investment.

Camper Corner

In these Bible verses, we read about a father who loved his young daughter and went to Jesus to ask for help. What are some words your dad says to you that make you feel special and loved by him? Describe a date night you’d love to have with your father. Where would you go? What would you talk with him about?