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What happened on September 3rd 1978 |
I’m not sure exactly how it went, but I’m told I was some sort of a surprise baby.
Such are the beginnings of stories that shape our lives.
In my case, I was a delightful surprise to my family. My mother already had four children, and I arrived into a home where my siblings were almost old enough to be my parents. lol
Perhaps my arrival was tinged with a bit of embarrassment or shock. My mother, trying to conceal her pregnancy, stayed in the shadows, and even my siblings claim not to have known.
But let’s leave that ‘in the left hand’, as the focus today is not on my unexpected arrival.
On a particular day, my father sat me down and shared something extraordinary.
I must have been about 11 years old.
He spoke of how special I was and how he believed that God had a unique plan for my life from the moment I was born. He showed me a black diary and turned its pages until he found it—
Sunday, 3rd September 1978. There, in his handwriting, were just a few words.
He went on to tell me that I should “keep myself” (in Sunday language) and not ‘Know’ any man unless we were in a committed marriage.
Years later, I discovered that I might not have been the only one to receive this “special message” from God through my dad.
Wise man.
So, what’s the message today?
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Whether my father received this directive from a divine source is not the central point here.
What truly matters is that a father chose a way to protect, nurture, and guide his daughter according to principles he believed would serve her well on her unique journey through life.
We are all a culmination of countless influences, with the most profound being our upbringing and the values instilled in us during our formative years.
If you are a parent (and this is not just biological), understand that your most critical responsibility is to shape the minds of your children (those committed to your wisdom/tutelage) for their journey ahead.
Resist the temptation to impose your limitations and worldviews upon them. Even if you do, communicate in a manner that respects their individuality.
One size does not fit all.
Recently, a friend shared her struggle with her 16-year-old daughter, who refused to dress in what she considered an “appropriate manner.”
I recounted this story to her and offered these words: “Find what she can connect to and weave the instruction around it. Your role as a guide is temporary. Do what is necessary but speak her unique language, so she can understand and willingly follow.”
It’s Sunday, the 3rd of September, and I am deeply grateful for all the solid influences that have led me here.
As I celebrate another year of life, I invite you to share your thoughts with me.
What matters most to you right now?
What do you seek more of, and what do you wish to leave behind?
Where do you find yourself today?
May you unearth the grace and courage to reflect on the influences of your past, reimagine them, and choose new ones.
%Name%, this is a new day to become the person you need to be.
The future you conceive is dependent on what you do today.
Welcome to September, a month of new beginnings and endless possibilities.
P.S.: I love to read your thoughts on my letters so hit the reply button now, let’s talk.
