Train Up a Child in the Way...

My mother always says we grew up together. She married young, as a college student, and I was born the day before her 20th birthday. She would spread out a blanket with her books and her baby. She tells me I developed my voracious appetite for words by picking up her books, as she studied. I would ask her what the words said and became an independent reader by the age of three. Otherwise, I grew up a typical child of the seventies. We really only had three rules: don’t go past the corner, get home before the streetlight goes out, and be in bed by 8:30 p.m. on a school night.

Mom grew up in a much stricter, devout Christian environment, but she didn’t want to live so restricted anymore. As a result, my sister and I had many freedoms and were encouraged to explore our hearts’ desires. Mom never told us what to do. She disciplined us, when necessary, but mostly gave her encouragement, and sometimes her shoulder, in all the things we had an interest to pursue. She knew she had given us the best example she knew how and had put everything else in the Lord’s hands.

 As an adult, I have moved away from my hometown many times. Yet, I choose to stick to Mom’s example of life and have remained close to her. We talk regularly, dress alike without planning it, have worked together, still eat together every chance we get, and even have Bible discussions when it is her turn to teach at church. Seeing how many families are in turmoil these days, I believe she did a wonderful job.

Training up a child does not mean you are treating them like a soldier in the Army, constantly yelling and screaming, or preventing them from ever leaving your sight. It simply means they are watching what you do, and you should be aware of your actions in their presence. They will most likely do what they see you do and say what they hear you say. Even if you provide a great example, they will not always be perfect. You can give them the world and they may still end up as a prodigal child, lost in their ways. But, when they come back begging for any little crumb, welcome them home and continue to show them the grace required to get them back on the path to righteousness. Even a child who turns into a thief on a cross can receive forgiveness and meet the Lord in paradise.

Feel free to use this prayer: 

Dear Lord,
I pray that you will help me to see opportunities to teach my child to live in a way that is pleasing in your sight. Lord, give me the correct attitude and the right words to be a good example. Give me patience and strength for the trials that may come and remind me to embrace the joy of the triumphs. Give me wisdom to impart into my child and compassion to provide comfort for any troubles that may arise. Thank you for helping me to give lessons that will provide a path for life and a love for You. I am so glad that You have given me a part in my child being fearfully and wonderfully made!
 

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About the Author
National Bestselling Author and Poet Michelle Lynn Stephens hails from Durham, North Carolina and is an inspirational writer who encourages others to make comebacks out of setbacks as they press to overcome life’s obstacles through faith and perseverance.

​In her writing, she sets out to examine the social ills of the world, as seen through the many perspectives she has been exposed to. When she’s not writing, she enjoys singing, performing spoken word poetry, and dancing with her toddler.

Visit her website at www.michellelynnstephens.com.