SouthernWorldwide.com – In today’s hyper-connected world, children are growing up under a constant barrage of online visibility, where every aspect of their lives can be shared, judged, and scrutinized. The emphasis on image is paramount, a stark contrast to the quieter upbringing of previous generations that allowed for introspection and personal discovery among a close circle of friends.
This era of constant display has fundamentally altered the landscape of childhood.
Parenting in this environment often feels like an insurmountable challenge. Children are navigating a world where their actions, decisions, and even imperfections can become fodder for social media discussions. Many mothers express feeling an immense pressure to equip their children with an identity strong enough to withstand constant attacks.
This profound responsibility can indeed be overwhelming for parents.
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Having been married for 25 years, my husband Matt and I have experienced our share of public scrutiny and opinion throughout his professional baseball career. Our faith served as our anchor as we navigated the often-unforgiving world of sports commentary together.
Now, our two eldest sons, Jackson and Ethan, are following in those same footsteps, playing in stadiums where they are perpetually under the gaze of fans, and seemingly, the entire world.
A single off-day can lead to a chorus of opinions about their worth. While scrutiny is inherent to their profession as athletes, our role as mothers is not to shield them from difficulty, but to prepare them for its inevitability.
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We can draw inspiration from the example of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Imagine raising a child destined for public attention, misunderstanding, and criticism. From the outset, his life defied conventional expectations. As Jesus grew, the tension intensified, leading to questioning, misinterpretation, and ultimately, rejection.
Mary could not shield Jesus from public criticism, nor could she control people’s reactions to him. She could not prevent the difficult chapters of his story. Yet, Mary remained steadfast and present, finding joy even amidst adversity. She placed her trust in God for the boy who was growing into the man before her eyes. This experience resonates deeply.
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Because fostering resilient and grounded children doesn’t come from removing pressure. It comes from equipping them with the tools to stand firm within it.
In a world that watches everything, perhaps the most impactful action parents can take is to cultivate a home environment where children feel genuinely seen for who they are, not for their achievements. It’s a sanctuary where love is unconditional, where both triumphs and struggles are welcomed, and where they know that even when the world’s noise becomes overwhelming, a steady refuge awaits.
Drawing upon scripture, Mary’s life, and my own experiences, I offer a few key principles to help mothers raise resilient, faithful children in today’s world.
Lead with grace, even when you need to correct your kids
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In the Genesis account, Adam and Eve were consumed by fear and shame, aware of the consequences of their sin. Yet, God did not abandon them. Instead, he met them in the garden and spoke to them with love amidst their shame.
One way we’ve implemented this in our home is by foregoing timeouts. We believed that to help our children grasp God’s patient love, we needed to model it ourselves, rather than isolating them when they disobeyed. We prioritize grace, especially when correction is necessary.
The liberating power of forgiveness is one of the most profound gifts we receive as children of God. We can only impart this to our children once we truly understand and internalize grace, forgiveness, and God’s unwavering mercy in our own lives. While I haven’t always gotten it right, I’ve always had the ability to seek God’s forgiveness and to discuss and model forgiveness with my children.
Perfection has never been a prerequisite in our home, and I encourage you to adopt the same approach. It’s crucial to show your children that they won’t always be right and that they possess the capacity and the responsibility to ask for forgiveness. Guide them towards the path you wish for them to follow.
Use your home and your life to train your kids up, and trust the Lord to handle the rest
Consider Proverbs 21:31: “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord.”
Preparing a warhorse involves a rigorous, intentional, and consistent training regimen to ensure its readiness for combat. While parenting differs in many aspects, it demands a similar level of intentionality, often unfolding quietly within the home during ordinary moments.
Every mother I encounter feels a profound responsibility to raise her children to stand firm in their identity as children of God. It’s easy to become consumed by this responsibility and overlook the latter part of the verse. We prepare the horse, and then we entrust the outcome. We diligently do our part and surrender the results.
This is a vital lesson for us to learn and to impart to our children. They are called to show up, work diligently, be prepared, and recognize that ultimate victory belongs to the Lord. Train your children well.
However, train them not with the expectation that you will dictate their lives or shield them from hardship.
Show them excellence – in others, in faith, in themselves
I desired for my children to witness greatness and to be inspired by great individuals. We wanted them to be surrounded by people who exemplified leadership, friendship, and hard work. Consequently, they traveled with us and spent time with honorable, godly men who coached and played alongside their father. We encouraged them to emulate athletes like Adam Wainwright, Jaime Garcia, and others connected through Sports Spectrum, who have navigated their careers with faith and integrity, demonstrating how to live out their faith publicly while also fostering relationships with like-minded individuals who understand the pressures of their environment.
As mothers, we have the distinct privilege of guiding our children’s gaze and shaping their perception. Always acknowledge and celebrate excellence. Ensure your children are in the company of individuals who lead admirable lives. Point out the commendable actions of others. After all, influence is often absorbed more than it is explicitly taught. Witnessing greatness naturally inspires a desire to emulate it.
Regardless of the advice received, the fundamental truth remains: motherhood is inherently challenging. For many women, the emotional difficulties associated with Mother’s Day can be particularly profound.
Yet, as mothers, we possess the opportunity to leave an enduring legacy. This legacy begins within our hearts, extends to our homes, and radiates through the unseen grace that flows from God to those we love.
Therefore, allow God to work through you. Become His hands and feet. Let God bring peace, security, and resilience to your children, whoever they may be, through the tapestry of your life.
