When was the last time you truly considered your most central identity — as a daughter of God?

Candidly, for me, it had been a while. I too often define myself by what I do — hustling, producing, meeting expectations — rather than by who I am in Christ.

But a few weeks ago, I had an awakening. I was invited to help lead a group of about 100 Christian women writers, communicators, and ministry leaders at a soul-care retreat in Colorado. My role was to pour into these women. These are women who spend so much of their lives pouring into others.

The conference was aptly named Daughters First, a reminder that they weren’t writers first, pastors first, podcasters first, ministry leaders first, or (thanks be to God) social media platforms first. They were, and would always be, daughters first — daughters of the King.

And in a way that only God could orchestrate, this retreat wasn’t held in a generic hotel conference room, but in a legit castle. It was a historic English Tudor-style castle, called Glen Eyrie, nestled in the foothills of Colorado Springs.

So there we were, a bunch of daughters in a castle with a King.

For three solid days, I poured my heart into these women. It was my literal job, but it was also my joy. I know how lonely and exhausting ministry work can be, so I wanted to remind them of this truth: God affirms them, not because of their work, but because of their being. He loves them, comforts them, protects them, and shepherds them.

Near the end of the retreat, a woman asked me a simple question: “What did God speak to you at this retreat?”

In that moment, I didn’t have an answer.

I had been so focused on offering hope and healing to others that I hadn’t paused long enough to receive it myself.

It occurred to me much later that what God was speaking through me… He was also speaking to me.

I, too, was a Daughter First.

Not an author first.
Not an (in)courage writer first.
Not a speaker or ministry leader first.
Not even a mom or wife first.

I am a Daughter First.

I don’t regret a single moment of the work I did in that place; after all, that’s why I had been invited. But it took me a few days to realize that God had me there for a reason, too.

When I got home, I reread the words from my own talk about what it means to be a daughter. And I felt like God was gently saying, 

Those words were for you, too, Jennifer. You’re my daughter, and I’m glad you came to the castle to spend time with Me.

His words settled in my heart like healing balm, especially in the midst of a busy season. They reminded me of the moment in Scripture when Jesus turned to the woman who reached for the hem of His garment, for healing. It’s the only time in all of Scripture that Jesus calls someone Daughter.

He looked at her and said, “Daughter, your faith has healed you” (Mark 5:34 NIV).

And that’s His message for you today, too.

Like me, you are a minister of God’s Good News. You may not do it from a podium or the pages of a book, but you are ministering to neighbors, grocery store clerks, family members, Uber drivers, and even the growliest TSA agents. Every day, you have opportunities to share God’s love.

Keep doing that. It matters.

And also:

Take a moment today to let God minister to you.

The words of grace and kindness you so freely offer to others? Let your King speak them over you.

Because before anything else, you are a daughter first.