I’ve just begun reading my mentor, Chap Clark’s (& Kara Powell), most recent book — Sticky Faith. Which I have four extra copies! It clearly is a must read for any parent of a tween or teen who has a desire to see their student love the Lord with all their heart, soul, and strength past High School and into young adulthood. I won’t even mention the horrific statistics of students who abandon their faith. But I will suggest the single most important RESOURCE is … PARENTS! It only affirms our vision for Faith at Home and empowering parents to lead the charge for Spiritual formation in both their lives and their whole families.

The poem below is from Sticky Faith and I trust will encourage you…

Daughter 17

I have a daughter 17
When she lies to me…I love her
When she disappoints me…I love her
When she doesn’t live up to my expectations…I love her
When she reflects poorly on my name…I love her
“Now I can understand how when she pleases you…and obeys you…and fulfills you…,” you say
But that’s not what I’m talking about
It’s when she does none of these things…I love her
AND for a very simple reason:
I’m her father…and she’s my child

We all may need to print this out to remind ourselves of this truth regardless of our kids age or gender. And each of us may need to simply share that we love our kid TONIGHT not for what they’ve done but because the ARE. Keep loving them to Jesus and letting them know what our Father tells each of us, “No matter what you’ve done or not done…I love you through and through!”

~ Pastor Bruce

Tags: 17, faith at home, Parenting