Parenting with Purpose: Building a Foundation of Love, Trust, and Faith

As parents, we all have moments of reflection when we consider how we’re raising our children and what kind of legacy we’re creating for them. Today, I want to dive deep into something that’s been weighing on my heart—something that speaks not only to being a parent but to the act of truly raising a child. These are two very different things.

When I think about my own children, I realize that all I’ve ever wanted for them is to experience unconditional love, healthy boundaries, and the freedom to explore life with the reassurance of support, even in the face of mistakes. Reflecting on my own upbringing, I can see how much of my life was shaped by the pain of rejection. Growing up, I felt rejection through anger, frustration, and the overwhelming sense of never being "good enough." While much of it may have been my perception as a child, it’s still the lens through which I viewed the world.

When all you know is rejection, who are you supposed to trust? That pain shaped me, but it also taught me something profound about what it means to be a parent.

We’re here to do more than just provide basic care. As parents, we are tasked with laying a firm foundation for our children—one built on unconditional love, support, and guidance, no matter what choices they make. They need to know they are accepted and that there’s hope in all things. That’s what fosters trust, belonging, and the freedom to become who they were created to be.

I believe God created us to understand the depth of His unconditional love through the experience of parenting. In the Bible, God is described as a father, constantly teaching, guiding, and forgiving His children. He doesn’t abandon us when we falter. He waits for us to come to Him, to ask for help, and then He leads us with patience and love. That’s the model of parenting we’re meant to follow.

God doesn’t impose His will on us; He waits for us to seek Him out. And when we do, He holds us, no matter how far we’ve strayed. As a parent, I understand that feeling now. It’s a gift to experience a glimpse of how God sees us—as His children, always worthy of love, always capable of redemption.

Growing up, I didn’t have that firm foundation at first. My childhood was marked by fear, uncertainty, and a constant search for love and acceptance. But even in the most challenging moments, I saw glimpses of love being built, of prayers being answered, and of foundations being laid. I know now that my prayers as a child for my parents were heard, and over time, I did receive what I truly needed. That’s the power of prayer, especially from a child’s heart.

So to all the mamas and dads reading this—listen to your children. Their hearts speak truth. I remember praying as a little girl for my family to heal, and in many ways, those prayers were answered.

If you weren’t raised with the guidance you needed, it’s never too late to change. If you weren’t shown what unconditional love looks like, you can start that journey now with your own children. Start by building your relationship with God. Learn who He is as a parent, and you’ll begin to understand how to parent your own children.

I know we often joke that children don’t come with instruction manuals, but in truth, we have one: the Bible. It’s our guide to understanding how God, our Father, loves, disciplines, and forgives us. It’s a blueprint for how to raise our children in love and faith.

So, if you want to change the next generation and build a deeper relationship with your child, start with your relationship with God. Be patient with yourself and your children, because, as we all know, slow and steady wins the race.

Let’s build a legacy of love and faith for our children, starting today.