The Words Your Child Is Longing to Hear
I grew up with a Dad who was both physically and verbally affectionate.
A quiet man by nature, he was in my child’s eyes a rock of security.
Firm with discipline, yet generous in love.
I was the eldest of four strong-willed kids and I was tough to raise—bossy, opinionated, sassy, and frequently in trouble.
Once I shot a neighborhood boy with a friend’s “bb gun” simply because I didn’t like him!
I was furious with my Mom when she came home from the hospital with a second brother and would not speak to her for days because I didn’t like the first brother who had usurped my position as “only child” at age four. A few years later Mom redeemed herself by giving me a sister.
I’m not quite sure how Mom and Dad survived those tumultuous early years of my childhood.
However, there is a vivid memory of my Dad that surpasses all others and it is one that still impacts my life today.
On many occasions I remember Dad sitting in his old easy chair, setting aside his carefully folded newspaper as he pulled me into his arms. Perhaps I was in tears from a recent punishment, or happy because I was invited to a play date, or beset by childhood fears.
Yet in his lap I felt safe.
And once again Daddy would say,
“Susan, I love you so much.”
“Why Daddy?” I responded.
“Just because you are mine,” he replied.
It wasn’t because I’d been good or bad. Most likely I’d been bad.
It was simply because I belonged to him.
That was enough.
This one statement, often repeated, gave me security and acceptance. Love from my earthly Father has enabled me to understand more clearly how my heavenly Father feels about me.
Daddy’s love for me wasn’t perfect. My heavenly Father’s love for me is perfect.
Daddy didn’t even know all the naughty things I got away with. My heavenly Father knows everything. Yet His response is still,
“I love you just because you belong to me.”
You may not have grown up with a Dad like mine. But the good news is that you can be the first of a generation of healthy families. Pull that young child into your lap. Whisper in his ear,
“I love you son. Do you know why?”
“It’s just because you are mine. You belong to me.”
Our world screams that performance earns love. Jesus says belonging to me ensures love and acceptance.
When guilt, failure, self-condemnation, and feelings of being unlovable creep into your head—rest in the truth that your heavenly Father is saying to you,
“I love you.”
Our little voice answers, “How could you?”
And He responds, “Just because you are mine. Period.”
In His lap you are safe.
He will tend his flock like a shepherd;
he will gather the lambs in his arms;
he will carry them in his bosom,
and gently lead those that are with young. ~ Isaiah 40:11
Blessings,
Grab Susan’s free ebook, “Camp at Home,” right here. This valuable resource is based on her book Cousin Camp. It includes 100 things for you to do with your kids of different ages including toddlers, the middle years, teens, and specific things for the whole family. In addition, there are ideas for grandparents to use to stay connected with their grandkids.
100 Words of Affirmation Your Son/Daughter Needs to Hear
Matt and Lisa Jacobson want you to discover the powerful ways you can build your children up in love with the beautiful words you choose to say every day–words that every son and daughter needs to hear.
These affirmation books offer you one hundred phrases to say to your son or daughter – along with short, personal stories and examples – that deeply encourage, affirm, and inspire.
So start speaking a kind and beautiful word into their lives daily and watch your children–and your relationship with them–transform before your eyes.
