Putting Faith at Center Stage In My Parenting
Putting Faith at Center Stage In My Parenting
By Carolina Hinojosa-Cisneros
Friends, I’m so honored to have one of my new friends, Carolina on the blog today. She is going to share a post about parenting for this month’s theme.
I have enjoyed spending time on her blog, Cisneros Cafe. Although I don’t know her outside the media world, Carolina appears spunky, fun and authentic. Her writing is inspirational and faith-filled. Head over to her blog and check it out!
“Faith is confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.” Hebrews 11:1
It takes an incredible amount of faith to raise a child. I don’t know about you, but I often feel I’m getting it all wrong. When your child shares households with the other parent, it can be a race against time to ensure all the bows are neatly tied by the time it’s time to switch households again.
And sometimes the ribbon never even makes it on.
Before my son left to his father’s one day, he stated, “Mom, you don’t read to me before bedtime anymore. I kinda miss that.”
My heart sunk. I immediately thought, how long has it been since I last read to him? My goodness, I must be a terrible parent. He’ll remember this forever.
That night I made a list of things I didn’t do with my son anymore. I felt so ashamed. I didn’t sing to him anymore. I didn’t put out his clothes for him anymore. I didn’t even add essential oils into the bath tub as was our routine.
After sulking for two nights, I read an article online which put my heart at rest. I don’t remember where and by whom it was written, but I remember breathing a deep sigh of relief.
No mother is perfect. It’s the love our children feel when they’re with us that they carry with them always.
The times I spend with my son must be filled with love, forgiveness, and grace. And faith.
My faith in God must take center stage.
When I don’t place faith at center stage, I become a ball of nerves listing all the things I didn’t do or things I did “wrong”. This is unhealthy for my soul and my son. The best version of me is what he should receive.
If my best is not getting to a book that night, I will have to allow room for grace to take its place. Evening prayer and nightly tuck-ins are not beyond my capabilities at all.
God trusted me to be my son’s mother and he trusts that I have enough faith in Him to understand that I’m doing a good job at all costs.
This is the grace and faith I must be willing to teach my son about. There will come a time in the very near future when he feels he has failed at something. It is my duty to teach him about faith.
The same God who gets me through hardship is the same God that will get him through his. As long as we’re armed with faith, nothing can step in our way.
Let’s pray:
Lord, thank you for all that you are to us. Without faith in you, our family would surely fail. Faith is the binding agent that holds me together when I feel I’ve failed at parenting. Thank you for your grace and your call to action. I must be willing to trust in who you are and in whose I am. Father, I ask that you strengthen my faith. Thank you for allowing me to be a parent. It is something I will forever cherish. In your name, I pray. Amen.
Thanks for having me, Julie. I’m truly honored. I haven’t written much about shared households and my children. I appreciate the opportunity more than you know. xoxo
Carolina- I enjoyed this post! I think you should write more about it. You have a wealth of knowledge to share!
Julie
<3
Thank you for these encouraging words, Carolina. Oh what deep assurance and relief as a parent when we take hold of His Truth: “The same God who gets me through hardship is the same God that will get him through his. As long as we’re armed with faith, nothing can step in our way.”
Julie: thank you for sharing Carolina’s words.
Anna- I love that sentence too. I need to permanently affix that to myself and let God. Carolina gave so many good reminders!
Julie
Thanks for stopping by, Anna, my dear friend. xoxo Have to remember where I’m rooted so that I can be a better parent. Be blessed this week, beautiful.
Enjoyed reading this post, Carolina. I think you express what many parents are thinking!
Thank you for reminding me that moms and dads will never be perfect and it’s okay, God has this. Instead of wallowing in a sea of regrets about what I should have or could have done as a single parent, I’m starting to focus on what I did right. My daughters are all grown up and they turned out to be really special people. I’ve surrendered control of their walk with God, they are in his hands.
Love this, Nancy. <3 God's got this. <3 Cheering you on, sister. xoxo
Thanks for stopping by, my friend. This is such a learning curve for me. We are who God made us to be for our children. He knows we were best equipped to be that person. I’m sorry you felt down. I know you are doing an amazing job with what you’ve got. God hears ya, Meg. You hang in there. We need more cheerleaders for the not so perfect times (which is daily- right? LOL). Sending love, hugs, and support. <3
Amen! God gives us the grace we need for each season in our lives. He will guide you as you try to juggle everything.
That is the best news! He gives us what we need at exactly the right time!
Thanks Naomi for stopping by!
Julie
Amen, Naomi. So glad you came over. xoxo Have a beautiful week.
Carolina sounds like you and your children have a special bond. I have spent the day with my mother today after a doctor appointment and we were just talking about how we miss our one on one lunches. We have already planned the “where” for lunch next month since we both have birthdays. Looking back, I am beyond thankful for the Godly love and grace she has shown me. Such a blessing to have a mother who loves the Lord. Thank you for giving us a “peek” into your life as a mother. Sounds like God is guiding you quite well and the best part is that you are listening to Him! Have a wonderful week and may God richly bless you and yours!
God bless you and your wonderful mom, Horace. I’m grateful for your comment. It fills me up. Thanks so much for stopping by Julie’s place to read this. Have a blessed and beautiful week. xoxo
Carolina, I have not walked in your shoes in terms of co-parenting the child who juggles households, however as most mothers, I have felt the guilt of not failing to do those things that are soo important. I’ve found that God gives grace for the day. They are new every morning. Thanks for sharing your story.
Thanks so much for stopping by and for your uplifting comment. Have a blessed and wonderful week. xoxo
It truly is the Love –not the lack– that they remember! And it’s the Love that keeps them coming back for more – even when they are all grown up and out of hte house!