On a recent night, where as a family we gathered to say goodbye
to a daughter moving to the other side of the country, it struck me just what
does the Father feel for His daughter. Yes, this is not really about me as a
father to my daughters, but it is a pondering into what the Father must want for
His daughter.
I think about what I want for my three daughters; for them not
only to be responsible adults and loving and respectful partners, but to be
safe and respected and loved and cherished by the men in their lives; by all
men in society — and all women.
As a man I very well know how men think and how they feel and
the challenges that a man faces simply in treating women with the respect they
deserve; that all humanity deserves. I know as a pastor, a counsellor, and as a
chaplain just how far I have fallen short in my thoughts and feelings and
actions, as a man I mean.
I rationalised that, even in endeavouring to live a godly life,
I still struggle to attain to the standards of thought, feeling, and action
that I would like to meet. I am so fortunate that the women close to me have
been gracious in understanding that whilst my intent reveals potential, my deployment
is occasionally awry.
In recent days I’ve seen attacks on feminism as if every male
who speaks up for females in society has fallen for some trick. These, as a
response to almost global support for viral videos deploring violence against
women. These men and women against ‘feminism’ are deluded. Of course, violence
against anyone is unacceptable, and women are not immune from being violent,
but men own the stake in how to move forward if the world has any hope beyond
violence.
I find it a ridiculous argument that men denounce women’s rights
to safety when they use an aggression cloaked in all sorts of vile devices,
including inappropriate humour that is supposed to be funny but is just simply
disgusting. And weak women join in. Some people are beyond loving anyone.
What must the Father want for His daughter?
Surely, he wants His daughter to be treated
as if she is a princess. Because she is a princess.
as if she is a princess. Because she is a princess.
Does a man lose anything
for treating a woman like a princess?
for treating a woman like a princess?
Where has the chivalry gone that says,
‘I choose to treat you as beautiful for who you are.’
‘I choose to treat you as beautiful for who you are.’
Every father worthy of being called a father should want goodness
and favour for his daughter. And that is just the earthly father. How much more
does the Heavenly Father want that for His daughter? Of course, we can ask what
the Father wants for his son, and the Father must want his son to prosper as
the protector of life, and to revere the Father’s glory in the women about him.
To be properly egalitarian, I think it’s crucial
we get the gender differences right.
we get the gender differences right.
As the father of three daughters, having seen them interact with
the men close to them, having seen them interact with me, I know that it is not
their nature to abuse men. They follow their men, always desiring their men to
lead by way of respect and protection. I know few women who would be remotely capable
of abusing men for the want of it. Sure, I have seen women who are capable of abusing
men, and I wonder what role men have played in the development of the women in
question. Men are not blameless.
The Father wants the best for His daughter.
The Father wants His daughter to be safe. The Father requires
that His daughter be loved by being respected. The Father wishes no fear
against His daughter. The Father seeks that His daughter would flourish. The
Father is a gentle nurturer. And the Father promises to travel with His daughter.
And if we care anything about God
we ought to do His will.
we ought to do His will.
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