. . . whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things (Philippians 4:8).
As a mother, I have the incredible honor to kindle godly worth and stability in my children as they grow. Just as a professor ignites curiosity in his class to experiment and uncover more of the subject at hand, I too have much to help my children discover. The way in which I choose to focus and find the good makes all the difference.
When I lovingly encourage my children by affirming their positive attributes—those that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, good, excellent and praise-worthy—I am using the tools that allow God to carve worth, stability, and dignity into their lives. This practice of focus elevates the mind to see the source of all loving goodness—our praiseworthy God.
There are times that wielding these tools stretches me and feels almost painful as my children wrestle with the voices of the world, their own flesh, and the enemy of souls. At these pivotal times I have the privilege to minister affirmation and truth with tenderness—a tenderness the world cannot give. I have the blessed call to uphold their value even when they may not do so themselves. Nothing is more solid and more grounding than being tethered to the truth of goodness that ignites love.
Prayer: Holy Spirit, illuminate my mind and spirit to focus and dwell on all that is good in my children. May my children see these powerful tools of focus and praise you continually by loving well and upholding worth. As they do this, may they become each day more of who you meant them to be—image-bearers of loving light—called to change the world for the kingdom!
You can certainly see your skills in the articles you write.
The world hopes for even more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to say what they believe.
At all times go after your heart.