Most people in the Black community, much like myself, were brought up in church. For some that meant every other night church service, and even noon day prayer. I was fortunate enough to be not only brought up in church, but to be raised in a household of faith. I had both a praying mother and grandmother on both sides of my family. In other words, I had no choice but to pray!
From a young child I was taught to pray and to plead the blood; and as a mother of four young girls I try my best to instill those same values. Now I know they may not turn out to be the picture perfect young women, but I do know that in Proverbs 22:6 the word tells us that if we “Train up a child in the way he should go, when he is old he will not depart.” I know the way my family brought me up in, and I am grateful to say that, “The Blood still works!”
So on yesterday, the oldest of my four daughters was assigned an “All about me,” project in her gifted class. Well like many single mothers, I was in between paychecks. So I got creative and searched around in my room for some things that I already had. We found construction paper, tape, glue, glitter, and some glitter bulletin board letters. Needless to say, her creativity took over from there. Well she planned out what she was going to put down on the handmade poster, but just as she did she became frustrated. I asked her what was wrong, and she stated she didn’t have the letters she need. As she begin to cry I said to her, “Next time you don’t have what you need instead of getting upset, just pray!” “Ok,” she solemnly replied. About two minutes later I heard her say, “Lord, help me to find a letter A!” Just at that second, out of a pile of 50+ letters, she grabbed an A! Now you might say that’s trivial, or she would have found the A eventually. But in my belief God answered her prayer immediately, because she activated immediate faith!
I share that story to say this, although it seems like what we say to our children goes in one ear and out the other, know that what we impart in them and the way in which we train them will not depart from them. Words, prayer, and wisdom will stay with them; as well as hurt, criticism, and pain. So choose to have faith in your children, show them the way of faith, and teach them the power of prayer. For at the moment when they need God most, they will know just where to find him. If you don’t know the words of prayer, with a sincere heart say to God, ” Lord, teach me to pray!” Remember you’re never to old to depart from your own ways. Be blessed!
-S.S. Stalls
Choose2Believe Consulting Agency 