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On the desktop of my computer lies a file called “The Wisdom of Dad.” This file holds a collection of cartoons, pithy sayings, and sage advice from my father. It is evidence of his deep love for me, usually in comic form. I click on the file every now and then and as I read I can hear his voice, a voice that has saved me from disaster so many times. It is a voice that I ignore at my own peril. In my office there is another bit of evidence of my father, a file labeled “Communications.” This file holds bits and pieces of hand written love sent through the mail over the span of my lifetime, and they are precious to me. When I need to be reminded of who I am, my father’s words pull me back to center. How often I have wished for a compilation of these words, along with the many that were spoken yet never written.

A father has the power to hold a daughter in a way that no one else can, not even a mother or a good husband. The words of a father are creative. His words have the potential to spark life or cause death in the soul of his daughter and therefore must be lovingly thought out and carefully expressed. One way or the other, they will remain with her forever.

Robin K. Johnson brings his love, compassion, and wisdom to life for his daughters in A DAUGHTERS BOOK OF SECRETS. Written as a love letter, he offers a peak into the intimate discussions a father and daughter. Johnson delivers common sense priorities for everyday life expressed with humor and pragmatism, addressing everything from intimacy (you are not an amusement park ride), home safety (never take the trash out at night), relationship Oh-Oh’s (he wants to borrow money?), to party safety (get your own drink to avoid roofies) and much more.

Bruce and his baby girls—Deborah, Lisa and Krissann

Johnson adds a Consider This On This Day section, which includes devotional readings and thoughts to nurture the souls and spirits of his daughters as they become young women of faith and citizens of the world. It becomes evident that Johnson cares more for his daughter’s hearts than he does about their right or wrong doing. Speaking with grace and compassion, he says, “There is not a man on earth worth the salt in your tears.” What woman on earth doesn’t want that dad?

Each devotional opens a door for discussion on deep levels of identity, relationship, belonging and love, leaving ample opportunity to add your own bits of wisdom and advice to Johnson’s. Although I have been an adult woman and a Christian for many years, I felt the father heart of God in a new way through Johnson’s writing.

It is my hope that you will read this humorous, heartwarming, and practical book from cover to cover with your daughters. Maybe you will feel God the Father in a new way too.

Deborah Koehn Loyd, M.Div.