“Aw, isn’t she precious?” So speak the people who see the lovely little girl cuddled in her pink blanket, a flower band adorning her almost bald head.

“Yes, she’s our princess,” her father says, as pride and thankfulness light up his eyes.  He doesn’t cry easily, but as he holds this little treasure, I think I see a little moisture clinging to an eyelash. 

If only that moment of innocence and esteem could last. But life has some shocks in store for this princess.  She will not be the most beautiful, or the smartest, or the tallest, or the most talented, or the richest.  She will be (horror of horrors!) ordinary.  Ordinary is scary in a world where everyone has to have a reason to stand out. 

Adolescence will be a minefield.

Her parents will always love her, but others will hurt her with their words. When, at thirteen, she has not blossomed,  some of her classmates, especially the early bloomers,  will tease her. Their acidic words will not deface her face, but they will eat away at the girl inside. 

But, with a few scars and some hard-earned lessons, she will survive.  She will go to university, study hard, make a few friends, and eventually graduate with a degree as a pharmacist. 

At her graduation her mom and dad will see the capable young woman she has become. But they will see more. With eyes transformed by memory they will see their princess again. The tiny baby. The sweet little girl with the big pink Hello Kitty soft toy held close to her as she sleeps. The teenager, who on her dark days seemed like anything but a princess. And now the young graduate pharmacist.

Her dad does not cry easily, but I think I see a little moisture on an eyelash.

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When a father values his daughter, he imparts something to her spirit that will protect her from any guy who wants to use her or abuse her. if you have a dad like that, be sure to let him know how much he means to you. Do the same for your mom. 

If you did not have parents who valued you, remember that God, as a Father,  values you greatly. He wants the best for you, heals your hurts, and helps you forgive anyone who hurt you.  You may never be a beauty queen, or make the list of the fifty most glamorous women in . . . wherever.  But with God as your Father your life will have great value.