hEAR mE rOCK

My brother made the observation that in 28 years of life, he has never once seen my father compromise his moral, ethical or spiritual standards in business or in life.  I have never once questioned whether or not my father would come home. I have never wondered if food would be provided. Over the last several years, I have watched my father transform from “that guy who pays the bills” to a loving, caring, providing man of God. I believe with all my heart my dad is doing exactly what he’s supposed to be doing because he makes it easy for me to understand who God is as a heavenly father. As a child who’s not old enough to have forgotten her teenage years, but old enough to know better I would like to offer some advice to father’s. You don’t always have to learn from experience, sometimes you can learn from examples. It’s your job to teach your sons to be men. Don’t just teach them to be “manly.” Instead, teach them to stand up for what they believe and give them an example of an unwaivering moral and ethical code. Teach them how to treat women and all people around them with respect. It’s your job to teach your daughters how they should be treated. Let them know that just settling for any guy isn’t good enough. If you treat them like ladies and treat them with respect, they will expect that same treatment from others. They will also learn to act in a way that commands that treatment. Let your children know how talented they are, find those gifts that God has blessed them with and do everything you can to develop them. Make sure you children understand they have your unwaivering support. I understand it’s a difficult task sometimes, but remember if you can love them unconditionally, eventually they will find it much easier to understand God’s unconditional love. Don’t just give your children answers to problems, teach them how to solve them. Don’t force your children into a religious experience. Instead, provide them with opportunities and an environment for them to have their own encounter with God. Remember, you may think high school was not that long ago, but it was. Some things haven’t changed, but it’s a different world now. Your children won’t always want to talk to you, that’s okay, just make sure they’re talking to someone.

My father has taught me the act of forgiveness. He’s taught me how to work hard and play harder. He’s taught me humility and the art of being humble. He’s taught me how to be generous and the importance of obedience. He’s treated me in a way that has left very few guys “good enough” for me. I’m a daughter of the king of the universe, and I know that because that’s how my dad treats me. I’m purposed and chosen. At 22 years old, I’m able to fly. But I always know there’s someone waiting at home.

The most valuable lesson I learned from my dad was 3 weeks ago after the most difficult conversation I’ve ever had with him. I began by telling my dad the last 3 years of my life have been filled with bad decisions and regrets. He stopped me by saying, “Lindsay, I knew there was something wrong, but I also knew you’d figure it out. I don’t need details, I’m just happy to know it’s over.” I spared my dad the gory details, but spoke a little about my drinking problem. My dad sat at the other side of the table silent for a few moments. Finally he responded, “I got drunk once. In Germany. I tried to pick a fight with a guy who was so tall my eyes came to his chest. I decided drinking wasn’t for me.” And with that I knew he had forgiven me and that my past would never be an issue with him.

So father’s be good to your daughters… you’re raising a child of the King.