Parenting

I hope these words from Alex Cravens, a dad and youth pastor from Russellville, Arkansas, encourage you as a parent or grandparent. May we be faithful to rise to the challenge of these times and point the next generation to Jesus. 

My daughters Karina and Angela know my weaknesses and imperfections and when I failed them, sometimes knowing it, but most of the time not knowing. But I hope they also know the depth of my love for them, which is beyond anything I can express. I do recall times of asking their forgiveness for things I said and did, but I’m sure there were other times when I failed to do that. I thank God for His love and forgiveness.

So many who no longer believe in Jesus cite reasons that relate to church and Christianity and lack of love and credible answers. It makes me weep not just for those who are walking away, but also for the many who aren’t talking about it but lost their faith years ago.

Over the years, I’ve talked to many parents who experience guilt over the struggles of their grown kids. The following are some thoughts I’ve shared from time to time, including with friends who have grown children who aren’t following Christ and making wise decisions.

In this excerpt from my book Lord Foulgrin’s Letters, a high-ranking demon instructs his subordinate how to deceive and destroy Jordan Fletcher and his family—in this case, when it comes to their choosing a college for their daughter Jillian.

Many people have experienced the pain of a child who has walked away from Jesus. The following article was written by a dear and godly friend of our ministry, in response to someone who asked how she prayed for her son throughout his years of wandering. 

The church can and should be a source of guidance and support for parents. But no youth group is a substitute for attentive, hands-on parenting. (Not to mention on-your-knees parenting.)

Dads (and much of this applies to moms too), if you’re already spending lots of time with your kids, by all means focus on quality. But if you’re not spending enough time with your kids, or constantly being pulled away by distractions, don’t try to compensate by making your meager time “quality.”