Daughter of Joy
Sierra Alicia Mcjimpsey
Letters of a Loving Father
Sierra Alicia Mcjimpsey = Daughter of Joy
Sierra, there are so many things to share as I contemplate writing this letter to you. I remember like it was yesterday, the very first time we saw you. Two things come to mind: 1. You had so much energy, and 2. You were full of joy. Never has a smile brightened a room like yours. You have shown me how important living in joy is as a parent.
Your mother and I were discussing what you bring when you enter a room: Not only do you make a grand entrance, but you share a heart filled with so much love for others. Every time you greeted us, it would be the world's best hug, and as we came to know you, we were also met with such sweet kisses. Your ability to lift the mood in a room is unparalleled. That is why, Baby Girl, you are our Daughter of Joy.
One of the words that best describes joy is the word triumph. To triumph is to overcome or to succeed and to rejoice. In the first grade, when you faced adversity, you always handled situations with joy and that God-gifted smile. You overcame, in part, because of your joy!
To say that I am proud of you is an understatement. You had enough confidence in yourself to know what your path would be, and when the time came, you said, “Dad, I don’t want to play basketball, but I will get an academic scholarship.” Your hard work has paid off because you believe in yourself and your God-given abilities to reach your goals.
I want to say my expectations have always been and continue to be high for you, Baby Girl. The Bible tells us, “To whom much is given, much is required.” We look forward to you graduating college and advancing in your career. Just like with your sissy, it will be my honor to behold your wedding day and the joy you'll find in parenting your own children.
Being your parent has taught me many lessons, the primary one being that joy is the gift of living life to the fullest no matter what life brings. You are the picture of triumph in that way! Sierra, I pray you continue to lean on God, for He is your joy and strength.
Sierra, being your dad has taught me:
Living joyfully is the better part.
Having confidence creates success.
Leaders are created to serve.