A Letter to My Daughter
Writing about a Hot Topic
I understand the danger of writing a post about women just days after the march in DC for women's rights. I understand the frustration that the topic of womanhood bring to so many because of the disjointed definition you receive when you ask the question, "What does it mean to be a Woman?" And I also understand that as a man, my qualifications to write on this subject will be called into question.
With all the danger and potential frustration, why am I compelled to write?
I am compelled to write for my wife
I am compelled to write for my daughter
I am compelled to write for my sons
Letter to my Daughter
My Daughter,
It is not easy to live up to the expectations of people. If we aim to reach their standards, it is like shooting at a moving target. Those expectations are constantly changing. Yesterday the expectation was for you to be as feminine as possible, by prioritizing beauty and grace. Today, the expectation is for women to be the same as men, by prioritizing freedom and strength.
You are beautiful, graceful, free and strong; yet these expectations sell you and all women short. When we let the expectation of the world be our measuring stick, we will end with a standard that does not live up to what God has meant for you to be.
You have been created by God, on purpose, in his image and for his glory. That gives you value that is beyond any given by your outward appearance or your inner monologue. You are wonderfully and fearfully made with the a beautiful mix of Godly characteristic.
As a Woman created by God,
You are Godly: All women have been created by God and for God and are given the responsibility to recognize his rule and submit to Him. That means that true godly women seek to follow the ways of God. (Romans 12:2, 1 Timothy 4:7, Galatians 5:22)
You are Truly Beautiful: Your beauty is not defined by your outward appearance, our outward appearance depreciates in value as age sets in. True beauty is inside out, from your heart to the world. God has made you in his image, which means that you are a display of who He is to the world around you and that makes you truly beautiful. As your heart becomes more like His, your beauty is refined and perfected. (1 Peter 3:3-4, 2 Corinthians 4:16, Genesis 1:27)
You are Confident: God has made a promise to you in His word that He will never leave you. You are His and He will always watch over you and protect you. Because of this you are able to walk into any situation with confidence and hope. (Hebrews 4:16, Philippians 1:6, Proverbs 3:26)
You are Graceful: As a woman you are beset with grace. Created to carry yourself with dignity and purity. No one can take this from you because grace is not given to you based on your actions but is a product of God's love and design for you. (John 1:14, Proverbs 31:25, Colossians 4:6)
You are Gentle: God has given you a gentle spirit. One that from an early age has served you as you love and help others. God has given you a care for other people that causes you to be interested in their well being and empathetic toward their needs. (Galatians 5:23, Philippians 4:5, 1 Peter 3:4)
You are Strong: Your strength may express itself differently than mine, but it will be mighty. As you face hardships and challenges, you will respond to them with grace and dignity. Your heart will stand strong for those who need and depend on you. (Philippians 4:13, Isaiah 40:29, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
You are Hardworking: God has created you with a capacity to work hard. You already have a heart that is willing and ready to serve and love other, and that will give you the motivation you need to work tirelessly. (Colossians 3:23, Proverbs 13:4, Proverbs 14:23)
You are Faithful: When a godly woman makes a promise it is in her character to keep it. Godly women only make commitments that they are ready to faithfully fulfill. Think through things before you make promises to other people (1 Samuel 12:24, Proverbs 3:3, Luke 16:10)
You are Called to a Cause: God has commanded all those who wish to be Godly to pick up the cause of the less fortunate and justice deprived. He says to care for those who need our help and to fill needs for the less fortunate. So my daughter; love your neighbor, visit the poor, be a mother to an orphan or encourage those who have lost loved ones. Be someone who sacrificially gives of her energy and time to make a true difference in this world, in the name of Christ. (Isaiah 1:17, James 1:27, Micah 6:8)
These are all characteristic of true, Godly women that are defined by God, given as a gift and understood through His word. Don't follow the expectation that people place on you, instead find your value and define your identity by what God has laid out in his word.
I love you
Love, Your Father
A man in need of Grace
