About 90 young women and girls, ages 2 to 23, danced with their fathers and grandfathers at the Valentine’s dance hosted by Sunshine Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Mich., on February 7.
“This year we had about 190 people attend the dance, so give or take 90 father-daughter pairs,” said Henry Muller, Sunshine’s children’s ministry director.
The annual event helps fathers show their daughters how men should respectfully treat women. Every year, fathers get the chance to create a cherished memory with their daughter and look forward to other plans God has in store for them.
“It’s really cool because we see the same pairs come year after year and get to see them all growing up,” said. Muller. “It’s a blessing to see how dads show the love of Christ to their daughters.”
Some men brought several daughters, or both a daughter and a granddaughter. In addition to the dancing, fathers spent time with daughters making tiaras and jewelry, all opportunities to spend quality time together.
Adam Blickley brought young women from the Teen MOPS, a group for teen mothers, in addition to his own daughters Lydia, 23, Gabrielle, 20, and Grace 11. “I have attended nearly every year for the past 17 years,” he said. “We attend . . . to demonstrate how a young man should treat a lady. I make a craft, guess the number competition, and participate in all the activities.”
His favorite part is the dancing. “Letting your daughters know that you cherish them, respect them, and love them, helps them to form positive attitudes about men and the boys they date and the man they may eventually marry,” he said.
About the Author
Kristin Schmitt is a freelance news correspondent for The Banner. She lives in Hudsonville, Michigan.