by Marilynn Chadwick
Let us consider [thoughtfully] how we may encourage one another to love and to do good deeds (Hebrews 10:24 AMP).
We are in a two week series of how to raise great kids. Even if you are not a parent, there is a good chance that you play a role in someone else’s life who is younger than you. I pray these parenting tips will give you tools to lead the next generation.
Every dreamer needs a team. Build a strong team around your child who will inspire them. Bring grandparents, coaches, friends, teachers and church leaders into your circle of friends. They can be some of your biggest allies in helping your children reach their dreams. Prayer partners are also key, along with the parents of your children’s friends. It really does take a village.
I supported our children’s teachers and coaches and volunteered whenever possible. Coming from a family of educators, I deeply admired the many adults who poured their lives into our children. I prayed for them, encouraged them, even befriended them.
But there were also times when I had to go to bat for our children. On a couple of occasions, I asked a teacher or coach to consider giving a second chance or a harder challenge to one of our children. In each case, I knew the child was ready. And in each case, the teacher or coach agreed, so I was glad I spoke up.
I want to add a brief word here about what I call “dream killers.” David and I were more intentional about protecting our children against dream killers than we were against drugs. Children usually recognize the stupidity of drugs. But they may not always see the subtlety of a dream killer. Dream killers can come in the form of peers or even adults at times.
This is sometimes called “the crab-pot syndrome.” When one crab tries to crawl out of a pot, the others will pull him back down. Not everyone will see your child’s dream as clearly as you can.
Again, that’s why David and I prayed fervently for God to guard our children’s dreams. To use those dreams to draw our children close to him, and then to open doors for their calling to make an impact for Christ on this broken and hurting world.
This Moment of Hope is adapted from Woman of Valor by Marilynn Chadwick (Eugene: Harvest House, 2017). Click here to download a free PDF copy of Woman of Valor. If you enjoyed today's Moment of Hope feel free to forward this email or share this link with a friend so they can sign up to receive a Moment of Hope every day.