IgniteLit

Title: I Am His Daughter
Author: Emily Steiner
Major Themes: Mennonites, Family Life
Synopsis: Rachel had always loved her father and did her best to honor and obey him—but how far should that go?

I am thankful for the homes I have been a part of and the men who have been in my life. Especially after reading I Am His Daughter, I am thankful. When I saw the description of this new book, I knew it was one I wanted to read, because I have seen many families that fit that description, and have always had a hard time knowing how to think about them.

Rachel adored her daddy when she was a little girl. Whatever he said was right. He always knew what was best for the family, and he wanted nothing more than to do what God wanted. She hated the constant moves as he took his family from one state to another, always searching for the perfect church, the perfect place to raise his family, but she knew he was doing and teaching them God’s will, and she sweetly submitted to that.

Then, trouble started brewing in the family. First, a young man became interested in her—and Dad didn’t approve. Then, Jonathan left home so he could make his own decisions. Then, after yet another move, another young man came into Rachel’s life and Dad approved. Until more disagreements arose in the church. What should Rachel do? Should she continue to do exactly what Dad wanted? Or live her own life? What was right?

I have watched this scenario play out in a number of families, and I have seen the results. Sometimes it isn’t a father but church leaders who feel the need to control everything. What is right? Is it right to submit to your authority no matter what? Or does there come a time when it is time to do your own thing? These are the kind of questions Rachel found herself struggling with—and the advice she was given by Godly people is the advice we would all do well to heed. I was spellbound all the way through this well-written story as I read to find out what Rachel would finally do. I came away from I Am His Daughter very thankful for the father I had and the husband I know have, both Godly men who loved their families but did not and do not try to control every facet of our lives—while at the same time giving wise counsel.

No warnings!