Description Have you ever wondered in your heart, do you love me, Daddy? You are about to share the journeys of two girls as they navigate life. Sara and I have very different stories to tell. Whether you are a father or a daughter, this book will touch your heart. Get out the tissue, find a cozy spot, and join me as I reveal my heart to you, in my search for unconditional love.
Do not open this book if you are not ready for a dose of reality. Laura will reach from her heart to yours to unlock an understanding of a secret that is in the heart of many, even now! It made me want to take my daughters and granddaughters in a big group hug, lasting forever!
—J. Otis Ledbetter
Author/Conference Speaker
Senior Pastor Sonrise Church of Clovis, CA
Co-Founder/Heritage Builders Association Author Bio
Laura Hicks lives in Clovis, California. She is a wife, a mother, and a daughter. She is an active member of Sonrise Church. Laura is a full time homemaker and a part time X-Ray Tech. She enjoys sharing her testimony. You can reach her @ www.doyoulovemedaddy.com
First Chapter
Daddy’s Little Girl
The delivery room was filled with excitement and anticipation, moments before they heard the first cry. “It’s a girl!” the doctor announced, and gently placed the baby into her mother’s eager arms. Mother and father were overwhelmed by this precious miracle. When mom handed the baby to her daddy, he embraced his newborn daughter close to his heart. He was bewildered by her very presence, an incredible feeling of love washed over him. He’d never felt this way about anyone, so passionate, so powerful. Gently, he caressed her tiny features. Gazing at her, he began to shed tears of pure joy. Then he whispered to her, “I love you, my precious child. By the grace of God, I will never leave you, you can count on me; I am your champion, your shield, and your provider.”
In a perfect world, all daughters would know this intense love from their father. Unfortunately, in this fallen world, many girls are cheated out of this incomparable relationship. There are three basic questions that all children seek answers to; “Do you love me?” “Are you with me?” and “Will you keep me?” Answer these questions positively, and your daughter will grow up confident and secure.
Whether by choice, or not, daddies are emotionally and/or physically abandoning their helpless daughters. They allow their daughters to navigate life without the training, guidance, uncompromising love and the security girls desperately need. Consequently, many grow up doubting their value, purpose, and lovability.
The nursery was a pale yellow with a border of little ducks and bunnies. The linens were clean and fresh. There was a crib along one wall, a dresser, a changing table, and a supple rocking chair in the corner. He spent many nights rocking her gently. Often times, it was daddy comfort she responded to more quickly. Maybe it was his humming, or whispered prayers, or maybe she could feel his strength, and she felt safe and secure.
Experts tell us that a child knows by the time he/she is only a few weeks old whether she is wanted. Though an infant cannot speak, he/she can receive your communication.
In The Heritage, J.Otis Ledbetter and Kurt Brunner write, “Within the first year of life, the fragile worth of a child can be either established or seriously damaged.”1
As a toddler, it was obvious that Sara was “daddy’s little girl.” Just seeing them together, the way they communicated, you knew they had an exclusive relationship. “Daddy!” she shouted with joy.
“Hello Pooh Bear.” he said. There was a twinkle in his eye as he picked her up. She cuddled herself into his embrace and all was as it should have been.
Mommy was busy preparing supper. I was feeling lonesome, and growing tired. I desperately needed to be held. “Daddy” I said anxiously, searching every room. I began to cry, “Daddy!” But I couldn’t find him. He was working late again that night. My cries turned to sobs as I laid myself down on the floor. Feeling hopelessly alone and frightened, I clutched my blanket in an attempt to comfort myself. Do you love me, daddy? I seemed to think, as I drifted off to sleep.
Each of us is created by God, with the intense need for love and acceptance. Even without words we express these desires. Children primarily seek out mother for nurturing and comfort, but little girls create an exclusive love relationship with their father and look to them for value and ultimate acceptance. In order for a girl to develop into an emotionally healthy woman, she needs to know that the most important man in her life loves her unconditionally. When she is confident of this love, she will be able to embrace God’s love.
Whenever Sara toddled into the room, his attention turned quickly to her. As he was addressing a group of people at church, Sara came running in. “Daddy!” She squealed, running into his arms.
“Hi Pooh.” He said with a smile, directing his full attention to her.
“That’s my daddy,” she said proudly and nuzzled into his neck. He continued his announcement, holding his beloved daughter close to his heart. He didn’t ignore her or push her away. He knew how important it was to embrace her.
“Daddy,” I shouted as I came running into his office. I reached for him, but he stopped me.
“Sorry, I have to finish this.” He coldly said.
I instantly felt rejected and sulked away. Unintentional as it was, the impact on me was devastating. Tears began to well up in my eyes as my heart broke. I toddled into my room, and embraced my teddy. Dejected and lonely, I buried my face in his soft fur and softly cried, “Do you love me, daddy?”
