Gò0dNews for Parents
Encouragement For Parents
P
by Linda Tinney
arenting is not for the faint of heart. Parenting is hard,
who live as we do.” Not only is this an example from child
y’all! However, it is the single most rewarding job that
to parent but also child to friend, parent to child, parent
is out there. Every day, we are faced with multiple
to friend, and on and on. We can all use a little pushing to
decisions. I heard somewhere that a mom’s brain is like
become a “better” Christian, a more “present” parent, etc.
having 15 windows on your computer open. Did I sign the
Lastly, we as parents need to be willing to provide
permission slip? Did I pack enough food in the lunch bag?
for our children—not only financially, but providing love,
Did I wash the sports jersey for the game?
advice, discipline (as badly as we hate to!), and support.
When we were growing up, we never knew the things our parents worried about at any given time. They sure did
One of my favorite evangelists, Billy Graham, said this: “The family should be a closely knit group. The home should be
a good job of hiding it—at least mine did! In the whole scheme of life, daily tasks are not life/death situations. The things I want our child to remember are some of the same things that I remember—going to church every Sunday, praying every night at bedtime, having “present” parents, spending time with extended family, vacations, and the list goes on and on. Our world has certainly changed since I was a young girl, but the concepts are the same—love each other, contribute to society, and enjoy every day. However, I don’t live in a fantasy world, and I know things are not always 100% peachy; we try as parents to do the best we can with the help of God’s Word. The Bible has lots to say about parenting. Try doing a
a self-contained shelter of security; a kind of school where life’s basic lessons are taught; and a kind of church where
Google search for “Bible verses about raising children.” You
God is honored; a place where wholesome recreation and
will see thousands of articles and links to many Christian
simple pleasures are enjoyed.”
sites. The bottom line in parenting is God wants us to love
So, when you have had a day where you wanted to give
our children, teach them about Him, and eventually, lead
up, just remember there is always someone watching and
them to our Creator.
depending on you. God gave you your child as a gift, and
In our household, we are firm believers in leading by
it’s up to you to provide the environment for the child to
example. Both my husband and I were raised in Christian
thrive in—and it’s okay to ask for help. Remember, it takes a
homes, and we are doing the best we can to teach our son
village to raise a child.
together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those
8 // May 2020
About The Author
how to live as a Christian. Philippians 3:17 says, “Join Linda Tinney is employed as a career transitions specialist at GNTC. She is wife to Neil and mom to Chason, a 5th grader She attends The Church at Rome.
