I read an article the other day about feminist weddings, which at the start didn't make sense because feminism is all about breaking free from the trappings and oppression of traditional roles. Marriage is one of the things that feminism rages against, because they seem to think that being married forces women to conform to some standard that inhibits growth, or something of that sort. Anyway, this not being a treatise against feminism, I'll get to what really hit me in this article. The writer closed with a quote from a bride who said she would not have her father give her away at her wedding, because she couldn't stand the thought of being considered "property to be given away." My heart broke when I read this. I thought that there was a real possibility that this young woman did not have a good relationship with her father. Even if this were not the case, and she is really close to her father, I felt like she at the very least did not understand why a daddy gives his daughter away. This is sad, because a real daddy does this duty as an act of love, not as a business or property transaction.
I have three daughters, ages 1 year, 3 years, and 8 years. God gave each one of them to me and my wife for a reason. The oldest came to us because we followed His will. The second was given to prove that God will take care of us through any trial. The youngest was just a bonus gift, because He loves us and wants to add joy to life. Part of the joy of life is having children and taking care of them. I will spend a lifetime caring for these three beautiful girls, watching them growing into beautiful young women. I will fight to the death for them against anyone who would dare hurt them. I will stand up for them in any situation, but also hold them accountable when they make bad decisions. I will help them learn how to deal with life and all of the challenges that will come. Through all of their lives, they will know that whatever they do, I will love them unconditionally, because they are my children and I am their daddy. This is the privilege and opportunity that God has given me.
One day, some young man will come into each of their lives. He will captivate their hearts, and they will decide to get married. I will go through this three times, and it will be a unique experience for each one. Because I am a minister, I will be able to perform the ceremony for each one. Hopefully they will want me to do this. However, before they get to the vows, I will give them all away to the man who will take over my role of provider and protector. Now, here's the deal, and maybe the part that the young lady in the article did not understand. I will be bringing many of my fatherly duties to an end. The daily provision, protection, and education will be over for me. I will be giving her to another man who will be responsible for providing and protecting her. I'll do this willingly, but each one of these men will know one thing - if they ever fail in providing and/or protecting, and if they ever willfully hurt my baby, I will come after him. There will be no rock big enough to hide him. I will come with all the force of an atom bomb to help him understand that he has failed my child.
No, I will not be giving away a piece of property. I will be giving away three precious jewels that have been carefully preserved and shined to an amazing clarity. I will be letting go of three of the most valuable things I have ever held. I have cherished them and protected them. I will expect their husbands to care for them with exactly the same dedication for the rest of their lives.
I have three daughters, ages 1 year, 3 years, and 8 years. God gave each one of them to me and my wife for a reason. The oldest came to us because we followed His will. The second was given to prove that God will take care of us through any trial. The youngest was just a bonus gift, because He loves us and wants to add joy to life. Part of the joy of life is having children and taking care of them. I will spend a lifetime caring for these three beautiful girls, watching them growing into beautiful young women. I will fight to the death for them against anyone who would dare hurt them. I will stand up for them in any situation, but also hold them accountable when they make bad decisions. I will help them learn how to deal with life and all of the challenges that will come. Through all of their lives, they will know that whatever they do, I will love them unconditionally, because they are my children and I am their daddy. This is the privilege and opportunity that God has given me.
One day, some young man will come into each of their lives. He will captivate their hearts, and they will decide to get married. I will go through this three times, and it will be a unique experience for each one. Because I am a minister, I will be able to perform the ceremony for each one. Hopefully they will want me to do this. However, before they get to the vows, I will give them all away to the man who will take over my role of provider and protector. Now, here's the deal, and maybe the part that the young lady in the article did not understand. I will be bringing many of my fatherly duties to an end. The daily provision, protection, and education will be over for me. I will be giving her to another man who will be responsible for providing and protecting her. I'll do this willingly, but each one of these men will know one thing - if they ever fail in providing and/or protecting, and if they ever willfully hurt my baby, I will come after him. There will be no rock big enough to hide him. I will come with all the force of an atom bomb to help him understand that he has failed my child.
No, I will not be giving away a piece of property. I will be giving away three precious jewels that have been carefully preserved and shined to an amazing clarity. I will be letting go of three of the most valuable things I have ever held. I have cherished them and protected them. I will expect their husbands to care for them with exactly the same dedication for the rest of their lives.
