Parenting Series Part 1: Children are God's Blessing

IntroductionWelcome back to The Teachable Woman Podcast with Reverends Michele Owes and Diana P. Cherry. In this brand-new Parenting Series – Part 1, the conversation centers on the honor, challenges, and responsibilities of raising children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Parenting is not only about guiding children but also about examining who we are as parents, since our children often mirror our words, actions, and character. This episode explores biblical principles, personal testimonies, and practical wisdom to equip parents with tools to nurture their children God’s way.Show NotesI. The Need for Prayer in ParentingRev. Cherry opens with a heartfelt reminder of the power of prayer—not only for parents to pray for their children, but also for the podcast family to cover one another, including the hosts, in prayer. Parenting cannot be done successfully without God’s help and spiritual support.II. Children Are a Blessing, Not “Kids”Words carry power. Rev. Cherry shares her conviction about refusing to call children “kids,” which refers to goats. Instead, she emphasizes the biblical truth that children are a heritage and blessing from the Lord. The words we use to describe our children shape their identity and behavior.III. The Responsibility of Training Up a ChildRev. Owes unpacks Proverbs 22:6, reminding parents that “training up” means setting a clear track for children’s lives. Too often, society pushes families to prioritize sports, arts, and achievements while neglecting God’s Word. True parenting must center on teaching children the statutes and ways of the Lord daily.IV. Children Will Imitate Their ParentsRev. Cherry stresses the truth that children will repeat what they see and hear from their parents. If parents want children of integrity, they themselves must model integrity. From lifestyle choices to daily habits, children mirror what they observe at home.V. Guarding Against Technology AddictionBoth hosts discuss the dangers of device dependency in children. Rev. Cherry commends her son and daughter-in-law for raising their three children without personal cell phones until after high school, while staying vigilant about internet use. Rev. Owes highlights how even leaders like Bill Gates limit technology in schools, underscoring the importance of protecting creativity and spiritual focus.VI. Living Out Church Beyond the BuildingRev. Owes draws a distinction between “going to church” and “allowing the church to get in us.” Parenting requires more than weekly attendance—it requires a transformed life where the Word of God is lived out consistently, so children learn to love and serve God by example.VII. Practical Parenting WisdomThe episode closes with three key tips: watch what you say (because children will repeat it), watch what you allow them to hear and see (because it deposits in their hearts), and watch who you are (because they will mirror your character). Parenting is not about perfection but about daily faithfulness in modeling Christlike living.SummaryIn this first episode of the Parenting Series, Reverends Michele Owes and Diana P. Cherry lay a strong foundation for godly parenting. They remind us that children are a blessing and heritage from the Lord, not “kids,” and that parents are called to guide them intentionally through both teaching and example. From guarding against worldly influences to modeling integrity and godly living, this conversation equips parents with encouragement, biblical principles, and practical wisdom. Parenting is an honor, a blessing, and a challenge—but with God’s help, we can raise children who know Him, love Him, and live for Him.