The Daddy Every Girl Needs

Strength is an important quality in a father.  Daddies ought to swing their little girls around in circles and give them bouncy piggy back rides while they giggle down the hallway for hours on end. Whew!

My dad grew up on a farm. I never doubted his strength.

But there was something different about my dad.

One day I walked around the block to a neighbor's house and attended a girl scout-ish spin off our church sponsored. As with most kid friendly events, there was a craft involved and we created a family crest for our fathers. I drew a fluffy lamb in one of the quadrants of my crest. 

I remember having the distinct impression my mom was embarrassed by this lamb. But it made perfect sense to me.

My father was gentle. He was strong AND loving. That is a crucial conjunction.

It was his tenderness that stood out to me as a child. He never raised his voice. He never stormed around the house. His strength was quiet and I felt so safe.

Our God has this same crucial combination of strength and love.

One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard:
that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord are loving...Psalm 62:11-12

He is the Lion of Judah AND the Lamb slain before the foundation of the earth.

Looking back, maybe Mom was needing a little more lion from my dad. Someone to roar at three children and get them to shape up and act right!

God has the perfect balance of these two traits.

In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling. Exodus 15:13

Love to lead:  "Follow me. See, I am a lamb just like you."

Strength to guide: "Walk this way and do as I say."

If you need tenderness and arms to hold you, lean into his unfailing love. If you need guidance, allow his strength mold and shape your life today. 

I'm curious - do you see God as Lion or Lamb?