I have been privileged to serve in some capacity of student ministry for the past 10 years. It continues to be a privilege and a joy to partner with parents to build relationships with students and help equip them to grow in their walk with Christ. When my own daughter was born, it was amazing to me how that whole idea of investing into someone’s life become so much more urgent to me. There are approximately 6,570 days from the day that Emma was born until the day that she will head off to college. I want to make the most of every single one of those days, so I am always looking for good resources and conversations to engage in that will equip me to model Christ for my daughter.
Last night, I finished up The Mentoring Mom: 11 Ways to Model Christ for Your Child by Jackie Kendall. I was familiar with Jackie Kendall because I had the privilege of leading a group of high school girls through her book Lady in Waiting a few years ago. I appreciate the fact that Kendall is very intentional when it comes to modeling Christ in front of her own kids as well as sharing her experiences with those of us that desire to do the same.
In the book, Kendall talks about how all parents stamp some sort of an image on their child’s life. If you want your child to know Christ, to grow in Christ, and make Him known…one way to be intentional about that is to look for opportunities to love them with the love of Christ.
Here are her 11 images that she says that Moms should model for their children…
- Love for God
- Praying Woman
- Loving God’s Word
- Emotional Health
- Loving People to Christ
- Your Heart’s Passion
- Noble Life Purpose
- Teachability
- Reckless Abandon to God
- Adapting Spouse
Kendall uses the last part of the book to list several books that have been great tools for her in this journey. I highlighted several things while reading and I have pasted those below. This book is a great read for parents that desire to be intentional in leading their kids to Christ and helping them become men and women of God.
- Do your children know with absolute assurance that their mom is a student of God’s love?
- “I’ve banked your promises in the vault of my heart so I won’t sin myself bankrupt.” Psalm 119:11 (The Message)
- By keeping a “death grip” on God’s Word, a person will not cave in during trials.
- My prayer is that I would walk with Jesus in such a way that when people have spent time with me, they would end up thirsty for more of Jesus.
- “The Scriptures were given not to increase our knowledge, but to change our lives.” DL Moody
- Is your home a safe place for a weary heart?
- Each child that your child brings into your home is a mission field for you.
- Where does your passion take you on a daily basis?
- When you are teachable, your daughter is free to share and even teach you new insights she has gained through searching His Word.
- When a woman perseveres in suffering, character is enhanced and hope is fortified.
- To mentor, you must first be mentored.