24 November 2021
Scott, one of my son in law’s, took his four year old daughter Willow, on a ‘Daddy date.’ A time where one to one they can share with each other and have fun together without any of the other family members. A specific special time just for them. Scott has four daughters and this time it was the youngest’s turn. Generally, they go to the movies and have something to eat together, while sharing with each other and enjoying each other’s company.
It is one of the most amazing experiences to literally watch the excitement in the little girls faces. Starting even the day before this event occurs their demeanour changes to excitement and anticipation. The thrill, the honour given to these girls is palpable.
They are simply told they are special and worthwhile!
I’m sitting looking out at the ocean right now and thinking about this scenario.
How many little girls need this special time with their Dad’s? To be spoilt and told that they are wonderful. That they are important. Tears start welling up in my eyes because of my thoughts where for many girls this does not occur. Has not occurred. Maybe you are one of them? Where instead abuse, dishonour, atrocities are an everyday occurrence.
But there is ONE Father that will always LOVE you. There is ONE Father who will always honour and respect you, (even if your own father does not). Your Almighty Heavenly Father.
God our Father describes continuously throughout scripture his love for us.
There have been many who have put pen to paper to declare this love for us. Different writers over the centuries, inspired by the Holy Spirit, have tried to share with us this love.
See what kind of love the Father has for us, that we should be called children of God, and so we are.
1 John 3:1
We are called his children. He is our true Dad.
Because you are precious in my eyes and honoured. And I love you, I give men in return for you, people in exchange for your life.
Isaiah 43:4
Our God sees us, we are precious in his eyes, oh my! He truly and completely loves us.
Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, you are of more value than many sparrows.
Luke 12:6-7
We are valuable to God.
The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save, he will rejoice over you with singing, he will quiet you by his love….
Zephaniah 3:17
He rejoices over us, loves us…….
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession…..
1 Peter 2:9
We are His – not his property but His child. His girl!
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you……
Jeremiah 1:5
He made us and has made us Holy, good before Him.
And then you read:
He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?
Romans 8:32
And
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him, should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
Did you read that? Did you hear that? God loved us soooooo much that He sent His only Son to die for us!
Oh dear dear ladies, girls please hear this in your heart.
God the Father loves you! He displays this with this act of love, of sending His son Jesus to die for us. We are precious to Him.
He wants to go on a ‘Daddy date ‘with you!
Take that in. Say it again to yourself.
God your Father wants to go on a ‘Daddy date’ with you.
Now I need to finish with this piece of conversation from Willow on her ‘daddy date.’
Scott asked, “What do you want for lunch?” (This is their choice on the date.)
Willow said, “Definitely not Maccas.” (MacDonalds.)
Scott, “Ok why?”
Willow said, “I should eat something healthy.”
Scott asked, “Like what?”
Willow replied, “Do they sell vegetables at the movies?”
Is she not gorgeous?
I bet you laughed just like Scott did at that and God did too.
Go on that ‘Daddy date’ with God. He has invited you. He’s just waiting for your response.
May these jottings from my journal inspire you to believe in and fall in love with Christ- the hope of the world, as stated in Jeremiah 17:7, ‘Blessed is the man who believes and trusts in and relies on the Lord and whose hope and confident expectation is the Lord!’
Love
Rosemary
Every week groups of ladies meet together to chat about the things I raise in my weekly blog post and to chat about life in general. We call these ‘Heart Connect’ groups. If you would like more information please click HERE.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Do you need to be reminded of how precious, worthwhile and valuable you are?
When will you spend some time with God the Father so that He can remind you?
7 Comments
Pearl
Growing up we never heard the words,”I love you.” We were never hugged, I believe my mom had read that hugging children spoiled them. My ex-husband was a womanizer and turned my children against me. He convinced them, because of his financial status, to live with him after the divorce. After several years later, I am the one helping them out. My son is sick, has no medical insurance, is unable to work most days, was emotionally abused by his dad and was practically dropped off on my doorstep when his dad moved out of state. I may not have much money but I have my faith. My life is not easy and am fully aware of the importance of a father’s love and encouragement. My prayer always includes those who did not have a St. Joseph type male spiritual role model. I did know my dad loved me but still missed out on so much.
Rosemary Downes
Dear pearl, my heart goes out to that little girl in the past and now as an older woman. I pray that God has and is hugging you so much and tells you and shows you his love for you.
Dear lord you see your daughter, her family who need you, who need your love and provision. Pour out right now your compassion and love to them and their situation.. Gracious God would you come and meet the physical, spiritual and mental needs of pearl and her children. We thank you almighty King who looks after his servants. May your name be glorified.
Bless you pearl, May you have a blessed Christmas with Our Saviour, who loves you.
Mary R Hoffman
Pearl, I am so sorry that you had to live without hearing that you were loved. I grew up that way, too. My father ranted at me since I was a little child that I was no good; that I never was and never would be. I admire you so because of your strong faith. I have faith too; but I still feel troubled and sad because of the life that I had. I don’t seem to be able to grab hold with strength that God loves me like He does. I will pray for you, and would ask you to pray for me, too. I so desperately want to feel the joy of knowing God’s love for me.
Rosemary Downes
Dear Mary, say to yourself throughout the whole day. God loves me, yes Jesus loves me and I will pray that the Holy Spirit shows you the Fathers love.
I hear in your response to pearl a kindred spirit.
Well I would like to share with you that we love you. We are here for you.
May God let you see the joy of love he has for you. I pray a smile of pure joy comes upon your heart snd face as you see this. Come Holy Spirit show Mary your love.
Oh God blessed are the poor in spirit- the humble of heart- – this is in both of these women. Bless them Lord.
Vivienne
Thank you Rosemary for a beautiful reflection. So very special. My love & prayers go out to you & Pearl & Mary also. I feel for them & pray God pours out every Blessing, love & peace upon them & their families. Love is such a precious thing. I know not everyone experiences such a gift. May The Lord fill those empty gaps in people’s lives, so that they would feel His Love. Blessings Vivienne. 🔥🙏💐
Lois
Hi Rosemary thanks for all your prayful communication. Some years ago I was in a prayer group in which our leader and guide was a charismatic leader. She asked me once did I have a difficult time with my earthly father. I said no I did not know him as he had died when I was 18 months old She said she was getting in prayer for me to look in the mirror daily and say “ my daddy loves me”. I thought she was balmy , two weeks went by. She says to me are you doing as the Lord wants you to do. I said no. She said please do it. So I took myself to my bathroom mirror when I went home and said those words. As I remember this my hear fills with tears. I suddenly changed from a fifty year old woman to a little girl it was amazing. Of course it made me want to continue. And so I did. I don’t remember how long I continued bur each day I grew a little older and comforted until one day I knew it was time to let this special moment be . I am so grateful to God for giving me this experience of feeling my dad and feeling the father s love. Praise and bless you my Lord and my God
Valerie Simms
Thank you Rosemary for sharing this lovely true story about your Son in law and your Grand daughter. I can truly relate to Pearl and Mary’s experience of not feeling loved by their Dad’s when they were children. I too had a Dad who never told me he loved me, I too had a Dad who ranted at me and my siblings! I would be so scared of him most of the time, as I didn’t know what would trigger his anger and his smacks. I would freeze with fear and say nothing, just cry. When I became an adult I began seeking psychological help as I would often suffer from depression. When I married and had my own son, my Dad treated him with so much love and affection that I couldn’t help feeling surprised!!! My younger sister, as an adult actually told my Dad that he didn’t really communicate with his own children really well. That he needed to get to know us on a personal level as he didn’t really know his own children. That was all I had heard from the conversation. The hurt I felt was so extreme I had to walk away. When both my Younger sister and I became Christians, I remember my Dad giving us an option. Either to let go of this religion and remain at home as part of the family or keep our religion and leave. i looked at my sister and asked her would she be willing to leave with me and she said yes! Much to my Dad’s shock!!!
This was the beginning for me to know the Love God had for me as my Loving Father. Now I can’t say that my Dad didn’t try to make amends with me. He did once embrace me as I was leaving his house one night, so many years after growing up, getting married and having a son of my own! it came as a huge shock and I have to admit there was no response in my heart at that time! As there was so much pent up anger and rage in me, it all came out when seeing a Christian Counselor!!! Then slowly but surely as the years went by my heart softened towards him. i recall once saying to him that as the years have gone by he had become much sweeter. That the stresses he had in his life when I was growing up, he no longer had. He just looked at me with pleasant surprise and a smile on his face and nodded yes! My Dad has passed away and I can honestly tell you all that i miss my Dad, have forgiven him and love him even though I hated what he did and did not want to do the same with my own son. I have my Abba, Father who has been making up for all the love I had missed in my life ever since!!!