I'm Just a Guy: Raising a Daughter(s)Sample

Show Her What a Man of God Looks Like

When I think back to my own childhood, I realize how much I learned about being a man simply by watching my dad. He didn’t sit me down with a list of rules—he modeled it. He showed me what faithfulness to one woman looks like. He showed me what it means to keep your word. He pushed me to give my best as an athlete.

So when my daughter came along, I wrestled with this question:
What can I show her that will make a lasting impact?

It finally clicked when I started thinking about what I valued most in my wife when I first met her. My mom was hardworking, loyal, and loving—even when I tested her to the limit. Naturally, when I saw those same traits in my wife, I was drawn to her even more.

That’s when I realized one of the greatest responsibilities I have as a father:
to give my daughter a clear picture of what a man of God looks like.

Why? Because one day, young men will come into her life. And when that day comes, I want her to have a filter—a standard—to measure them against.

I want her to know, deep in her soul, that she is a daughter of the King. And I want her to recognize what a Christ-centered man looks like, because she’s seen it up close—every day in her dad.

That means she needs to see how I love her mom—with tenderness in my words and respect in my actions. She needs to notice that I guard my heart and my home, paying attention to what I allow in—whether it’s content, music, or language. She needs to watch me fight to control my tongue, even when frustration bubbles up (still working on that one, but making progress).

Above all, I pray she sees a man who loves Jesus first, and lets that love spill over into how he treats others. Yes, she’ll see my imperfections—they’re obvious. But I pray what sticks isn’t the flaws, but the consistent pursuit of God’s will.

Fathers, here’s the hard truth: your daughter will often marry someone who reminds her of you. Let that sink in. If that reality scares you a little, good. Let it push you toward becoming the man you want her to look for one day.

If it’s true that more is caught than taught, then the question is simple:
What is your daughter catching from you?

She doesn’t need a perfect dad. She needs a dad who keeps showing up, keeps loving well, and keeps chasing after Jesus. That’s the example that will shape her heart for life.

Reflection Questions:

1. What qualities do you hope your daughter remembers the most about you?
2. What’s one way you can better reflect the man you hope she seeks?