Praying Parents

Letters To My Daughter by Dear Dad

For over two decades I've enjoyed the most fantastic relationship with my little girl. Nothing but pure joy to Her mother and I, it was inconceivable when in a matter of weeks "what we had feared" came rushing upon us. While still close, our hearts break a dozen times a day over her abrupt change in behavior and lifestyle. Often engulfed in grief and fear, we continue to pray and trust that what sin means for evil God will turn to good.

After thousands of hours of relationship and training throughout my daughters lifetime, and many conversations concerning her recent decisions, I've found writing a helpful and hopeful release. The following represent the whole or parts of letters I written. Some I've sent, some not. All are from a heartbroken dad scanning the horizon for his daughter to come to her senses and come home...

Dear Daughter,

It was nice seeing you last night. I missed our gym work out and hearing about your week but I was tired from the mini heat wave and it was nice to have a break. We could make it up in the next few days if you want. I know your mom appreciated making you banana bread (which is still here if you want it) and spending a few more minutes with you.

We're both proud that you love working with kids and that they love you just as much. We're also glad you're interested in continuing your college education and hope you do. As I mentioned, though we're having a difficult financial time, we would be willing to do all we can to see you graduate and live a happy and safe life.

It hurt us both to see you sad last night. You know you're so precious too us. It's because you are that I can’t support your current choice to live with away from home while dating a man who endangers your heart and soul. You need to remember that added together your mom and I have 100 years of life under our belts. That's a lot of personal experience and time to watch others learn things the hard way.

One thing we're sure of. The Bible's warning is true. "You can't play with fire without getting burnt..." At least not for long. Even if "everyone is doing it." Even if they laugh and seem to be having a good time. They're beginning to burning on the inside and if they don't stop soon they’ll find their life in flames...

We know. We both tried it and carry burn marks to this day. We've known hundreds others who now do as well. We all followed the crowd. Lonely, we made the wrong choices. Bored, we did the wrong things and sooner or later it catches up to you. In the end, it's always the same. Jumping from the frying pan into the fire everybody finds out it burns like hell.

That's why we worked hard for thirty years to build a home. To keep you and your brother safe. Why we often chose your happiness over our own. Why we tried to fill your hearts with peace, hope and love. Why, with you gone we miss you more than words can say. While some of this is normal our heartache is heightened by the fear over some of the choices you're making. Like your Woody Allen quote on Sunday, you have to be careful what you drink. And as we've often discussed, it only takes a drop or two of poison...

Imagine spending decades loving and serving your favorite preschooler, Lauren perhaps? If she insisted on playing with matches and building a flammable playhouse what would you say? If an older child, a tattooed fire-eater, brought her a butane lighter and gallons of gas what would you do? If she forgot all her training and chose a dangerous boy she hardly knew over you how would you feel?

What would you do if when you spoke tenderly to her she ignored your warnings... If when you scolded her she rebelled... If when you wept she ignore your tears. You'd be force to do what we are doing. Pray hard and love her from a distance even though it hurts. You'd hope she'd come home until she was ready to make better choices. You'd offer her the sweetest deal you could that would keep her safe and happy.

But what if she said no even though she's running out of money and time to come to her senses? What if she nicely asked for help to continue playing with fire? Would you say yes and toss her some gas or no, even if it made her angry and sad?

We love you baby, please be careful with our precious... And remember, "God allows U turns."
Dad

Should you be interesting in submitting your own letter for consideration please contact Paying Parents at Rob@PrayingParents.org by calling (559) 305-2229.