Confident Moms, Confident Daughters By Maria FurloughSýnishorn

Day Three: Our Story

Scripture: Psalm 16:2, Psalm 139:14

As much as we want, we cannot take away all the hurt for our daughters, but we can hurt alongside them. We can help them carry their burdens—and any hurt that life may bring. For as long as they are ours to hold, we can fight for them and with them. Soon they will be gone; they will be up and moved and out of our homes. But for now they are ours, and they need women in their lives who are strong enough to name their own stories.

My deepest prayer is that our own stories might help us better see the world through our daughters’ eyes. I believe passionately that there is hope for our daughters, even in the midst of the madness in which they are growing up. 

Parents, believe it or not, you have the ability and the influence, with God as your strength, to help protect your daughters from the very things that destroy the way they look at themselves. Together may we guide them to the very God who gives life and restoration to the areas we need it most.

So, what is your story? Our stories are part of us whether we cover them up or not. Digging them up is often heart wrenching, but it is also healing. Sharing confidence with a trusted friend or our spouse will allow them to give us words of love and compassion that heal. If we are willing and despite our past choices, this gives us a gift of how God sees us. This exchange of grace is one we then share with our daughters.

There is no doubt that our stories are impacting our daughters. We may not mean to, but we carry our stuff and pass it down. However, it doesn’t need to be a negative thing. Instead of unintentionally dumping our junk on them, we can intentionally dig through the pieces, identify the places we need healing, and hand to our daughters our newfound hope. With a smile on our faces and joy in our hearts, may we hand them our redemptive stories—stories that show them we are human, vulnerable, and cling to Jesus for life, definition, and purpose.

Pray about your willingness to share your story. When the time is right, ask God to give you the opportunity to sit your daughter down and share an age-appropriate story about your youth.