I don’t know what 2022 will bring, but our view of God will determine how we get through any challenge that comes.
The body of this article is taken from the last chapter, “Embracing His Likeness” from my book, Cultivating the Souls of Parents. With this global trial still affecting every aspect of our lives and our kids’ lives, considering who God is becomes vital.
God’s Parenting Style
As kids, many of us were introduced to a stern God. An All-Knowing Being that would strike us down if we ever used His name in vain. His holiness made us nervous as we walked into the church sanctuary thinking “Will God tell the pastor what I did yesterday?” Because of the way we thought of God, communing with Him was mostly an act of religious practice—reciting phrases from prayer books, taking communion, and fear-laden silence. We were timid in the presence of the God of the Old Testament, who killed His enemies with no remorse. But look at this passage:
The Lord your God in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3: 17
And then we read John 14:9 which says, He who has seen Me, has seen the Father; how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me?” We scratch our heads because Jesus is far too kind and friendly—even letting a disciple lay back on His chest, to be like the Father. Passages like this reveal a different version of God, or I’d say a deeper revelation of God than we were first taught. His anger is but for a moment, but His favor is for a lifetime (Psalm 30:5). This is the revelation that David had of God. David, the one who killed a man and then slept with his wife, tells us in many verses that God’s anger doesn’t last long. In fact, He doesn’t get angry with us quickly. Furthermore, Psalm 86:15 says that His favor, compassion, and mercy are abounding! Is this your view of God?
A spiritual director is a mentor who bridges your emotional wellness with your spiritual growth. She supports you in your journey toward shalom: mental, emotional, physical and spiritual wholeness. Throughout the year, Tina not only provides 1-on-1 mentoring but she also hosts virtual small groups for moms. Virtual group mentoring provides Christian moms with opportunities to be encouraged with fellow sisters-in-Christ throughout the nation. Past participants have been from various ethnicities and in different stages of motherhood. We grow best when we learn together. Past guests have been Dr. Ivy Bonk and Author Sara Hagerty.
Tina also produces teaching videos for those who need a self-paced approach. Several of these videos can be viewed at no charge. See below.