Empowerment

It’s a big word – empowerment – but it is the one that leaps out at me when I think of the significance of fathers in the lives of daughters, or indeed children. We need fathers who not only protect and provide, but those who empower children to be the wonderful person that lies in the depths of their soul.

Empowerment, from a Catholic perspective, is deeply rooted in the belief that every person is created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:27). This means that each child carries within them the divine spark, a unique reflection of God’s love and creativity. The role of a father, then, is not merely to guide or provide for his children, but to help them recognize and nurture that divine potential within themselves.

What is empowering? To be given opportunity is one of the key elements. To be encouraged. To be able to fail. Opportunity. Encouragement. Freedom. These 3 things really underpin the gift of empowerment. In the Gospels, we see Jesus empowering those around Him, especially those whom society overlooked or marginalized. He saw their worth, encouraged their faith, and gave them the freedom to follow Him, even if it meant stepping into the unknown.

While all children need to be empowered to be fully human and the best they can be, we especially need our daughters to feel this gift in their hearts. As Catholics, we believe that Mary, the Mother of God, was the first to be empowered in a profound way—when she accepted God’s will and became the mother of Jesus. Her “yes” was an act of immense courage and faith, and she stands as a model for all women of what it means to embrace one’s God-given potential.

I remain remarkably inspired by the TED talk by Ziauddin Yousafzai on his remarkable daughter, you may have heard of her, the one who won a Nobel Peace Prize (just a little award)! Malala remains one of my heroes of our current age and I will always be in awe of her abject courage and strength. Listening to her father gave me rich insight into how this young girl emerged as a force ready to confront the Taliban.

This being said, we need to empower greatness, bravery, insight, intelligence, kindness, and compassion—virtues that reflect the heart of God. In doing so, we must also be vigilant not to empower apathy, cruelty, selfishness, or greed, which lead us away from our true selves and from God. In their unique role, parents and caregivers have the incredible responsibility and privilege to shape the souls entrusted to them, guiding them to reflect the light of Christ in the world.