God made girls for more than wearing pretty skirts.

Dear Ash,

Have you heard this country song?

God Made Girls

It's kind of a cute little song. I wasn't sure I liked it the first time I listened to it. It did get me thinking, though, about why God did make girls. He made us for more than just wearing pretty skirts and flirting. It's not that I don't enjoy doing either of those or that there's anything wrong with that. I just think God had something greater in mind when he created women. I hope I can teach you that. I hope I can show to you as you grow up how wonderful and important being a woman is.

I hope I can teach you that being a girl doesn't mean you are silly and weak and incapable. Instead, it means you strong and can accomplish anything you set your mind to.

Being a woman isn't all about trying to make sure you are equal to men and that everything is fair. Being a woman is reaching out to others in love and complementing the men--especially your husband-in your life.

Real women don't need to act tough, uncaring, and independent. Real women are tough, but they're also compassionate and sometimes emotional, they're interdependent and confident in who they are.

You see, God didn't make women to be exactly like men. He didn't make us to serve our own purposes. I believe that God has a great work for us to do, different from men in some ways, similar in others.

God made girls to be empathetic, strong, and kind.

God made girls to "comfort the weary and strengthen the weak."

He made girls so they could learn and grow, so that later they could teach and lift others.

God made girls to help "build up His kingdom."

God made girls to "do whatsoever is gentle and human" and to "build and to bless."

He made girls to support and encourage their husbands, and to be supported and encouraged by their husbands.

God made girls to be mothers, to raise children who are kind, have a relationship with God, and know who they are. These children can then go into the world and teach others (including their own children) these same things.

God made girls to be His hands, His ministering angles, here on earth. I want to be that for you. I know I am not a perfect mother, but I love you so much. I pray everyday that God will give me the strength and love that I need in order to be the best for you.

I hope you can feel how loved you are, not just by the people who surround you here on earth, but by your Heavenly Father. I can feel His great love for you and it makes me love you even more.

I love you. And as your mother, I will help you on your journey to becoming a great woman, one who is able to fulfill all of God's purposes, if you will let me.

Love,
Mom