The Selfless Protector

A strong and loving father is the greatest blessing to be bestowed upon a woman. A good father has a difficult and self-sacrificial role in his daughter's life. He will pass on selective wisdom to his daughter so that her discernment is refined, but not to the extent that her spiritual purity is compromised. There are some things that you simply cannot unlearn.

A loving father understands that at times, his daughter may temporarily see him as the "bad guy", only to realise later that his guidance was correct all along. He will be unapologetically firm when required, not because it does not pain him to do so, but because he understands this is what is necessary to protect his daughter. He will instil a quiet appreciation and gratitude for men, even those who are perceived to be invisible by most. He will teach her humility because she will see his efforts, which will temper her expectations to a realistic level.

He is her benchmark and her northern star. His role is sacrificial because he knows that one day, he will pass his beloved daughter onto another man, for the benefit of that other man. It is a selfless act.

For the good fathers out there, know that you are appreciated.