To My Daughter’s Future Husband
No time better than now to talk about it

Dear young man,
I am glad to sit down with you and talk with you about this. Marriage is a big step.
As you are aware, life can throw many different things our way. We see all around us, couples break apart for things they 1) should have known about each other previously and 2) would have prevented them from marrying each other from the start anyways. I don’t want to see that happen to either of you, and I can promise I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen to my daughter. No harm done if you’re not the one. But, this will not be your “test marriage”; she’s not a product. She’s a human that puts validation in masculinity, as God designed. My daughter putting validation in someone other than me is the biggest thing in my life. I was the man that said her name when she was born, and she calmed down in my arms. I loved her through her whole growth.

So, the first thing I wanted to talk about was the minimum expectation I have for the man who wants to take my daughter from her current ship, which is safe, battle-tested, and has shown undying love and support for 20+ years. To what? Just kidding, will be to a ship that can take her where I will never be able to. A journey worth her heart. A covenant and marriage that is always looking towards the next day together. I’m not just saying yes to the first good guy. I say yes to a man that follows me like David did Saul. Honor is placed on my position when another man is honorable. A dishonorable man or one that has not been taught honor cannot honor me, thus cannot honor my daughter.
I have seen her first tears fall from her eyes and seen my actions put her fears to rest. If she one day cannot drive in a storm, she’ll call me and of course, I’ll drive and make it look easy, then wait it out with her.

First minimum standard is to be where I’m at and pick up where I left off. In order for my daughter to walk from her current ship to yours, you must be here — like grabbing the baton at a track meet, if you will. My whole daughter is in your hands, and it’s time to build a life together. Your life will be ready for a woman.
A few questions to see if you are where you think you are. If my daughter does you wrong, will that get under your skin? — Will you not know what to do? — And if a storm hits your boat at this very moment, will you subside my daughter, or have you been battle-tested? A leader deals well with stress and pressure while supporting someone who is broken simultaneously. If you can’t, no need in talking any further.
Second question, can you elaborate on how to love your neighbor as God loves and then how to love my daughter?
Third question, can you elaborate on the difference between protecting my daughter and merely being a man standing next to her? Give me an example of which you’ve exercised physical protection successfully. This question is in general, mere protection. Meaning, no one gives a shit if 50 protesters jump you both; you’re screaming like a banshee, thrashing like a ninja, and owning like Special Forces long enough for rescue to arrive and save her and carry you. It’s a heart posture. Her dignity is more valuable than both of you — now, if you don’t believe that, no harm done, we can find you a good woman that believes what you believe. But, in this family, we believe a woman’s dignity is tied with not having 40 years of therapy. A wildly passionate and free woman is a healthy and happy woman.
Fourth question, why do you love my daughter? Why her and not someone else? And why her and no one else in the future? Again, you have no problem with me. I know my daughter’s not Jesus, but there’s someone that captures your heart. If not my daughter, no problem. Let’s go ahead and move on.
Fifth, do you believe marriage is forever, and it’s working through problems? Do you believe marriage is hating each other just, but staying with each other because you don’t believe in divorce, to save your reputation, or because I’ll stuff you in a burn barrel?
Second minimum standard: What do you deserve?
Did your mother and father raise Superman?
No problems if they didn’t, really, but I’m handing my daughter off to a human Superman.
If all the above questions are good, then:
- let’s go on a mission’s trip together
- you attend a marriage course solo
- you attend a parenting course solo
- you babysit for a newborn for a month (including taking on the fees associated)
- and you teach a toddler
I just want to see a man’s heart as God designed. That’s it.
Welcome to the family of Lyon Kings. We lead, raise, love, and protect. We find pride in being who others need to grow.

Thanks for reading! Thanks for positive comments!! Thanks for sharing this story and for sharing your stories!!!
