What does it look like when a young woman realizes she is special? When she is lifted up, loved, known, beautiful, treasured? We recently brought two dozen amazing young ladies to our home to shop for dresses and shoes. Generous donors helped provide what we needed, and adult volunteers and friends became personal shoppers, helping each girl find and fit in a new dress and shoes. Then, one at a time, each young lady came out to the oohs and ahhhs and applause of a crazy enthusiastic crowd of onlookers! Dancing and twirling to the music of Jordan Feliz (“I’ve Been Changed”), the girls were radiant from the inside out!
A week later, the eagerly-awaited night finally arrived. The Father-Daughter Dance was the focus of such joyful anticipation! That evening we had seven of the girls in our home– showering, doing hair, dressing, sharing love and laughter. Some of the girls’ fathers were able to take their daughters to the dance. Others had a “father for the night,” adult volunteers and friends who blessed the girls and showed them once again how special and loved they are. Our girls and fathers were at the front of the dance floor all night long, and they didn’t miss a move!
What a blessing to see these girls catching a glimpse of their true identity. When we accept the gift of Jesus’ love, we are changed. It is breathtaking! He dresses us in beautiful garments of righteousness. He invites us to the ultimate Father-Daughter dance and He sings over us with songs of love! It’s far better than the Cinderella story, because our identity is sealed forever by the One true King! He proved His love by laying down His life for us. There is no greater love.
“The Lord your God is in your midst a warrior who saves. He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in his love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.” Zephaniah 3:17. THE SHOE FITS! We are chosen, precious, loved, and known. We are His. Dance for joy!
Words can’t capture the sweetness of all our joy…. so please treat yourself to the two short videos that follow. A picture is worth a thousand words!