Today, in my Young Women's class, I asked the girls (and the leaders) to tell me how they felt about their families. I was, of course, hoping to hear about the great love they had for their brothers and sisters, and their parents. Instead, to my surprise, I witnessed something very different, very eye-opening, and very concerning . . .
Each of the girls expressed great sadness, and disappointment -- in their relationships with their fathers. They all wished they were closer with their dads, but their dads were not easy to be close to. There were lots of tears, concerns, and anxiety. It was heart-breaking.
In that moment I wished I could transport their fathers into the room -- so they could hear the desires of their daughter's hearts. What they wanted, more than anything, was for their fathers to love them, and to show them that they loved them -- to tell them that they loved them. They wanted a good, loving relationship with them. Those girls need their daddies. The teenage-girls even WANT their daddies!
So, to the fathers (more likely to the mothers, who might mention it to the fathers) . . . LOVE YOUR DAUGHTERS. They need you. They need your affection -- even if it is hard to give. A hug, a compliment, a note of praise . . . would mean the world to them. They are your "princesses" when they are small, and even when they are teenagers -- especially when they are teenagers! They need your love SO much! Daddies, do not forget your daughters . . .
a stake pres. we had often commented that fathers need to tell their daughters they are beautiful....love your post, fathers can work miracles in their daughters just in those simple, subtle moments!!
ReplyDeleteI noticed one of the girls crying as she left the room. I'm sorry it was because she was probably feeling sad. It makes all the difference for girls to have a loving father in their lives who tells and shows them they love them and how special they are. Then she won't need to find that attention elsewhere, as girls who lack that often do.(usually in the wrong places.) It is sad. I am glad that we can try and keep from making that mistake in our home, if we ever have a girl.
ReplyDeleteValetines must have been a tough day around these parts....everyone was crying! That is so sad! What is going on? This is VERY concerning to me.....perhaps i will have to put a word in to the bishopric;)
ReplyDeleteseriously....these girls shouldn't feel this way---but they do--so we have to find a way to help them!
I am so grateful i love my dad and knows he loves me!