A daughter may outgrow your lap but will never outgrow your heart.
Author unknown
My dearest Briana, I dedicate this book to you, my daughter, my baby girl, my princess. I am sure you know how much I love you and that I thank God every day for blessing me with the gift of being your father. I intentionally express these sentiments to you so often because I never want there to be a moment when you question or doubt how special you are.
Before becoming a husband and father, I had a different mindset and priorities that brought about life-changing experiences. However, what the enemy thought would be my downfall, God turned around for good and facilitated a transformation in me that has made me the man I am today. I believe He allowed me to go through certain things and learn the lessons I speak of in this book so that I could minister and teach others through the transparency of my true-life experiences. It is my prayer that the wisdom and insight that I have shared influence the lives of many, but most importantly, have a lasting impact on you.
Briana, my heart desires that as you grow in Christ, the life you live will epitomize that of the Proverbs 31 woman, as spoken in the Word of God. Also, I pray that you stand bold and unapologetic, knowing you are whom God says you are—fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps. 139:14); a child of the most high King (Ps. 82:6); created in His image and likeness (Gen. 1:26); the lender and not the borrower, the head and not the tail, above and not beneath (Deut. 28:12–13).
My affirmations for your life are that you will be a spiritual, emotional, and financial blessing to a countless number of people through your ministry, your tutelage, and how you live. I also affirm that by allowing God to order your steps, your life will be that of high moral character, integrity, balance, and servanthood; making time for worship, family, ministry, business, and friends. I acknowledge that you are lovable and open to love, talented, kind, considerate, helpful (helper of humanity), virtuous (strong), and intelligent. With quiet confidence, you reject fear, and you confront obstacles, you are proactive and not reactive in every area of your life, and you freely receive wisdom in order to gain complete knowledge and understanding. At such a young age, your relationship with God is second to none, and for that, my heart overflows.
Always remember that you are a Claude! You are loyal, you do not quit, you are a hard worker, and you are strong. You are not your worst decision, nor are you the worst thing that has ever happened to you. Take hold and never let go of the promise that no weapon formed against you will ever prosper (Isa. 54:17), and you will always triumph in Christ Jesus.
Mommy and Daddy love you now until forever. Don’t you ever forget it!