One of the most special parts of the Daddy Daughter Dance this past Saturday was the Ring Ceremony. For the committee, it was of the highest importance for the little girls in attendance to know how God sees them through their father’s eyes. It was also important for the daddies to see the gift that God has given them. I thought it might be encouraging for everyone to read the words that were written for this incredible event.
“Dads, you have in your arms one of the most beautiful miracles ever known to man. As fathers we have been given a tremendous ability to influence the lives of your daughters – either positively or negatively. How you treat your daughter will shape how she views herself and how she expects to be treated by other men for the rest of her life. Our daughters need a father who is balanced: strict but kind, loving, and forgiving. She needs a rock that she can depend on when all else is falling down around her. Our daughters need to know we would literally be willing to die for them. She needs to hear from us how beautiful she is on the inside as well as the outside. She needs a father who she can respect. Be transparent with her and confess your mistakes. Teach her that she can be anything she wants to be. Teach her to take care of her body by playing and exercising with her. Teach her to be strong, independent, and free. She needs you to be present. You are her first love.
As fathers the most important thing we need to teach her is the absolute truth. Teach her what God wants her to know about herself. Teach her the truth about who God says she is. Teach her the truth about who she really belongs to.
In 1 Peter 2:9 we read; But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession. These are the words our daughters need to hear over and over again. She is a daughter of the King. Teach her to walk as a princess.
We’re going to take just a few moments to speak truth into our daughter’s hearts and minds. No matter how young your daughter is use this time to show her your love by telling her how God sees her through your eyes. Our princesses are walking through the crowd now to give you a ring for your daughter. We ask that you get down on one knee, place the ring on her finger, look her right in the eye and share these truths with her. Please repeat after me:
I am so glad God gave you to me as my daughter.
I love you and there is nothing you can do to make me stop loving you.
You are the most beautiful girl on the planet because God made you.
I promise to fight for you. I will provide and protect you with my life.
You are precious.
You are wonderfully and fearfully made.
I believe in you. You will do amazing things.
God has had a plan for you since before you were born. He will never leave you. He is always with you. He sent His son to die for you. He loves you.
You are God’s daughter. He is our King. Walk like a princess.”