The Greatest Influence on Your Daughter

She likes to cuddle and read books with me and one of her favorite things to do is play “Noah’s Ark” with her big brother {our bed often becomes the ark}. 


Throughout my daughter’s life, there will be many women who will be a positive influence for her. Sunday School teachers, friends, her grandmothers and great-grandmothers, and other godly women that come in to her world. But the greatest influence on my {and your} daughter? 


Her mother.

When I spend time in the Word and prayer, it shows my daughter that I value Christ above all other things.


The way I treat my husband, friends and family will make a great impression on her. She will either be soured or encouraged by what she sees. 


The time I spend with her showing her how to bake, clean up her toys, read a book or share with her brothers will have an impact that will carry over into the way she runs her household. 


My attitude about my church family will teach her either that being a pastor’s family is a wonderful privilege or that it is a frustrating burden.


When she is talked about while in my presence, my words can build her up and show others how much I love my little girl and the gifts she has been given by the Lord, instead of complaining about her behavior and tearing her down.


It’s so difficult to be a “good mother”. To find balance. To do the right thing all the time. And the truth is, I won’t. Because I am not perfect and I can never set the perfect example. 


But here is my comfort, found in the words of 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” 


God’s power is made perfect through us. He gives us strength to be the mothers we long to be to our daughters and sons! We can pass on a faith that will help our children shine for Jesus. Timothy was praised for his “sincere faith, a faith that first dwelt in {his} grandmother Lois and {his} mother Eunice.” 2 Tim. 1:5 


Mothers, you are so valuable! Your work is worth it, even on those days when the craziness of life makes you feel as though you have done nothing. Can I encourage you to just love your little ones and love them well? A hug or kiss can make them feel cherished most of all.


Those of you who have sons can help them to become strong men of God. And those who have daughters, you are the greatest influence on their lives! And no matter what our past or situation, we can fall back on the strength of the Lord as we teach our children each day. 

²⁹