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Dear son,

Daddy texted me the photo of you at the hospital gift shop helping purchase a bouquet of pink and white roses for Mrs. Barbara in our church. It made me so proud to see you serving with your little hands and thinking of others.

Mrs. Barbara is a widow in our church who lost her husband years ago and was recovering from surgery. It brightened her day not only to receive a beautiful arrangement but also seeing you there with Daddy.

My prayer for you is that you’ll always value and treasure the women in your life—no matter how young or old you are. That you’ll treat them with honor, respect, value, and great care as you would one of your most treasured possessions.

May you treat them with patience and gentleness in the words you speak and in your actions by:

  • Holding open the door
  • Letting them voice their opinions and concerns
  • Esteeming them as God’s beloved daughters
  • Standing to the side closest to the street
  • Protecting them
  • Honoring their bodies
  • Helping them with tasks that require extra muscle
  • Serving them first in a line
  • Being a young man of integrity, honesty, and truth
  • Giving compliments and words of encouragement
  • Listening to their voice, and more

These are just a few ways you can show them you care as a young man. There are many more!

Don’t ever let anyone tell you you’re too young to set an example for others to follow. Be a leader when no one else is.

My son, may you be a young man who doesn’t abuse your prestige or power, but protects the vulnerable, weak, and those who don’t have a voice.

You will rise by lifting others above yourself.

May you use your God-given talents and gifts to build women up, and not tear them down. May you come to an understanding of the love God has for all people—they’ve been made in his image and that’s a big deal.

I’m thankful Daddy is also teaching you and showing you what it means to treasure a woman as he loves me. We don’t always know how to unless we’re shown by example as God helps us.

In a few weeks, that pretty bouquet of roses will soon wilt away—it’s beauty will fade—but your presence and concern for Mrs. Barbara makes a lasting impact.

Keep loving and serving the women God has put in your life, and I’ll do my best to help you.

Make no mistake—it is precious in His sight.

I love you and I’m proud of you,

Mama

 

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Samantha Krieger

Samantha Krieger is wife to Jeremiah and mama to 2 boys & 2 girls- 14 and under. She loves iced coffee, TJ Maxx, and quiet time. She's the author of Quiet Time: A 30-day Devotional Retreat for Moms in the Trenches. Her work has been featured on the Today Show online, Love What Matters, and Cafe Mom. She writes from Florida’s gulf coast and enjoys connecting with readers on her personal blogFacebook and Instagram.

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