As we begin a new year and a new decade, I wanted to set a goal that would support a solid foundation for my family. I made a decision to focus on spiritual health in 2020. My son’s growth in spiritual education is just as important as his growth in academics to me and here is why.
I was raised in the church and as I continued to grow into an adult, I began to question my beliefs because of some experiences in the church that didn’t leave me with “good feelings.” When I began to question my spiritual foundation, I began to lose myself. Whenever I had an issue to overcome, I wouldn’t address the issue in the healthiest way. This is why spiritual health is so important.
We can’t gloss over the fact I’ve seen #ChurchHurt all over social media feeds. The hurt that many of us have experienced shouldn’t go unnoticed and bringing past pain into the light helps us all grow stronger as we walk forward in a better way. I understand you may have been hurt by the church, but I think there is another side to church that is so important. The part of church the develops community, instills Scripture & brings you closer to the Creator.
When moving to North Carolina, I made a decision to get back active in church because I felt a serious void in my life. After exploring several options, Romeo and I decided on World Overcomers Christian Church in Durham, NC. This decision was made so simple due to the love that Romeo expressed for the church. When I picked him up from children’s church on our first visit, he didn’t want to leave. He talked about Bible verses and everything he learned the entire way home from church and that’s all that it took for me to decide that we were in the right place.
Now believe me, I haven’t done the best in attendance and this is why we are shifting our focus to be on spiritual health for 2020. Below I have listed 3 reasons why raising my son in a spiritual home and focusing on spiritual health is so important to me and will positively impact our life!
1. The Bible has Life Lessons that Build Great Leaders
Instilling the truth of Scripture in your heart has life-altering impact. When you are in situations you will be able to recall the Word as a guide. There are many life lessons and thoughtful principles that can be applied to how one chooses to live a successful life. Romeo learns from watching and hearing about others and following that example. I want to expose him to stories of people who gave their all, lead with purpose, and loved in spite of. I value lessons that the bible teaches like do good unto others as you would have them do unto yourself, be fair and just, love and forgive, learn and seek wisdom. Keeping Biblical principles at the core of who I am has shaped me in all walks of my life, from leadership to daily motherhood and I want that same result for Romeo.
2. Building a Village to Help Raise Your Child
Parenting is not something anyone can do alone. Romeo has a loving father and family who reside in different states which leaves a majority of the parenting to me. Our church has mitigated the effects of a distant family by befriending both Romeo and me. We have been invited to dinners, they have volunteered to watch Romeo, invited Romeo to events, and so much more! They have aided in creating a family away from home for us. We have met so many people from all walks of life at the church and they have served as role models for us as well. I couldn’t imagine a better place for Romeo to find people to look up to. Church has also taught Romeo about peer relationships in our “village”. He has a group of friends that he has grown with over the past 4 years that come from diverse backgrounds that will help him grow to an amazing young man.
3. Faith = Fulfilling Life
I want Romeo to have strong faith because I know faith in Jesus will provide the comfort, peace, and motivation for him to persist when life doesn’t go as planned. Research has shown that having faith gives longer life expectancy because people with faith are able to deal with stressors in a productive non-detrimental way. Studies have found that regular service attendance is linked to reductions in the body’s stress responses and even in mortality–so much so that worshippers were 55% less likely to die during the up to 18-year follow-up period than people who didn’t frequent the temple, church or mosque. You don’t have to become a nun to get these health benefits, however. When hardships occur, faith is the one thing that keeps many healthy mentally and physically. Having faith will keep Romeo grounded and secure in himself and allow him to live a happier and more fulfilling life.
As we begin a New Year, I want to encourage you to let go of the past. Start fresh with the church, with your Bible reading habits and with your faith walk in Jesus. Maybe your resolution is making it to church every Sunday or reading your Bible every day, whatever it may be, just start. Start today. Jesus is waiting to meet you and instilling solid spiritual disciplines in your own life will show your kids how important it is!
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Read more of Georgina’s contributions to AllMomDoes here.
