To Bring Forth
“Children are indeed a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.”
I was reading Angela Duckworth’s book Grit and was surprised that she has a chapter on parenting. She shares ways for parents to develop “grit” in their children so that they can meet their potential. Duckworth shared that the Latin word for “parenting” means “to bring forth.” She argues that “You’re acting in a parent-like way if you’re asking for guidance on how best to bring forth interest, practice, purpose, and hope in the people you care for.” I love this definition of parenting because it is emotionally positive and is more about the child’s growth than being parent-focused.
I’ve often shared how grateful I was to be raised in the church and how thankful I am to all those in churches I’ve served who helped raise our daughter. (It took everyone’s hard work to get that child raised, haha). A church is a wonderful place to “bring forth” children into adolescence and adulthood. A parent, or parents, are not alone in raising their child. Multiple sources of support are essential in this time, when so many families feel isolated from their families of origin. But even more importantly, church is where God’s love, compassion, and divine acceptance are shared. Children’s and youth ministries are focused on providing God-given guidance to help each person develop their life’s interest so that they can practice their call with purpose in an environment of hope. What a profound parenting tool.
Today, many parents who have the financial means pay thousands of dollars each year for sports, music, and other activities, hoping that coaches and teachers will help instill healthy values in their children. Sadly, too often, the last place many parents think of “to bring forth” their children properly is in a church. Most of these other outside activities affirm their children based on their ability. Many children and youth learn that their value is in their ability, and if their ability suffers, so does their self-worth. The church offers a distinct way of bringing forth young people. The church affirms them as children of God, made in the divine image. The focus is not on talent, but on how they can nurture their compassion, bringing forth love for themselves and others.
Today, pray for the Christian Church. Many churches are closing their doors each day, around the country. Families are feeling the loss, even if they cannot name the absence. I worry that without churches, children and youth will only find their value in their abilities in specific areas, rather than in learning to go forth in justice, compassion, and love. As society becomes ever more dog-eat-dog, our children will continue to lose their empathy, inner focus, and drive. There can only be one winner if winning is your focus. All can be whole if loving-kindness is your focus. Faith in God, through the church, is the best way for parents to make sure they are “bringing forth” their children into adolescence and adulthood.
