My graduation letter from my dad

Louise,

At this turning point in your life, I would like to pass on a few words of encouragement.

First, I must say that I am proud to be your father and that your mother was always proud of you too. It's not that we always liked every decision you made, it is just that we were thrilled when you joined our family and still receive joy because of your presence. As Proverbs 23:25 says, "May your father and mother be glad; may she who gave you birth rejoice!" You have been a source of joy, may you always continue to be one in the days ahead. If you do, if you continue to grow in godly wisdom, you will make your father and others, glad.

Second, I would like to encourage you to grow to be like your mother. This is not necessarily a wish that you would become a missionary and serve overseas. Rather, it is a hope that in years to come you will express her love for the Lord and for others. We frequently saw that you had a heart for the salvation of others. In that I rejoice and hope to see much of in days ahead. However, no matter what job you may do in the future, whether media or anything else, I want to encourage you to commit your way to the Lord and serve him in all you do with your heart. As Proverbs 31:30 says, "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." As you know, I believe that the last part of this verse summed up your mother's life. May it do the same for you also.

Finally, as you begin to live you life out from under my roof, I would like to place you in the hands of God the Father who can do a much better job teaching and fathering you than I ever could. Draw near to him. Stick with him. Allow his word to be your guide and resource for living. Always please him. Never grieve him. Be his lady, his disciple. My final blessing can only echo that found in Numbers 6:24-26: "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace."

Shalom!