Fashioned as a Daddy’s Girl

The old hymn “In the Garden” boasts the lyrics “and He walks with me, and He talks with me.” This phrase is a true reflection of my relationship with my earthy father. As a young girl, I recall taking a walk with my dad from our humble home, from the ‘not-so-great part of town,’ to the historic district of our city. What seemed so far for my little eight-year-old legs, was just less than a mile away. 

Can you see the comparison to our Heavenly Father? 

Often, we feel that the journey is long and arduous, when in fact, it’s just a simple stroll with the King. Once He leads us to our destination and we look back over our shoulder, we realize the distance was not as far as we had once believed. “Trust in the Lord…and He will make your paths straight.” Prov. 3:5-6

The walk that day with my Daddy provided an opportunity for conversation. On this walk, I’m sure we talked about a lot of things. I gained an appreciation for architecture and grandeur style as my father pointed out the beautiful homes; each one being so different. As we made our way through the city streets, I’m sure we talked about school, church, family, boys, and Jesus. My dad always enjoyed asking us thought-provoking questions that engaged us in chatter. This carried far beyond our little jaunt through town that day. My father was interested in my life. He wasn’t afraid to talk about the hard issues. He took delight in the dialogue. 

Can you see the comparison to our Heavenly Father? 
When walking with the Lord, the opportunity for intimate fellowship and conversation can abound. Sometimes even the silence between dear friends is sweet. But walking hand in hand with the Savior and conversing about the happenings of the day, or musing over yesterday’s mishaps, or even divulging your greatest hopes and dreams can make the walk so much more pleasant. “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving” Col 2:6-7.

As the walk with my father continued, we passed an enormous home with a posted sign inscribed with a word my eight-year-old vocabulary did not know. “Condemned.” Here in the prestigious and coveted neighborhood, stood a dilapidated mansion that was once the shining gem of the community. Daddy explained to me what the word meant but directed me to look past the decay to its potential. He explained there was a ballroom on the third story and servant’s quarters behind the home. 

Can you see the comparison to our Heavenly Father? 
“There is now therefore no more condemnation for those of us in Christ” Romans 8:1. Jesus looks past our decay and dilapidated lives and sees our potential in His perfected grace. He doesn’t see us for our filthy rags but housed in the robes of righteousness He selected for us. 

Fast forward 18 years later, it was the morning of my wedding. We had moved to the brighter side of town, just one block away from that old, condemned house. My Daddy asked if I wanted to take a walk. And so, we did. From the reverse side of town this time, we began our stroll, up the hill, to the home that once was falling apart, was now restored. This girl had grown through the awkward phases of life. This girl had walked through times of my own restorations. This girl had watched God’s hand provide in ways so beautifully for our family. This girl was thankful. 

Later that day, my Daddy walked me down the aisle. 

Can you see the comparison to our Heavenly Father? 
He blesses our lives and brings us increase. He restores us to the purpose and design He has for us. 
He proudly walks us around for all to see.  
I am every part of the title “a daddy’s girl.” So thankful for walks with my Daddy and my Heavenly Father.  

Take time to take a walk with Jesus today. 

***Every girl has an earthy father. Some are present and active in our lives teaching us to grow in Jesus. Others are present but disconnected. Even others are cruel or absent. The Heavenly Father’s love is rich and can saturate and permeate the areas of your heart that may have held lack in the fatherhood department. Take a walk with the Lord today. Let His perfect Fatherly love adore you the way you should be. If you haven’t had a chance to be a Daddy’s girl, let the Lord fashion you for this precious role under His arm and connected to His heart.