Raising Teens in a Secular World

WHEW!

The title says enough on it’s own!

Yal, it is scary and hard out here.

From my introduction, you know that I have 4 children … and 3 are teenagers. Their ages are 18, 17, and 15. Two boys and 1 girl.

I am going to be real honest with you all in this read. I know God has my babies covered, however, I am still terrified.

I know I shouldn’t be. BUT, I am human. My fear leads me into prayer daily over my kids. I am constantly praying for their protection. Praying for them to call on God in times of trouble. Praying over their purity. Praying over their mindsets. SO much prayer. I even have my community praying over my babies. (Thank God for my girls!)

My oldest son graduated high school last year. The kid is smart. I mean borderline genius smart, if you ask me. He was always in accelerated programs in school and made straight A’s with minimal effort. Then we get to 8th grade year and the world shut down.

He began to struggle in school. Self-doubt crept in. He had to begin his HS career at home, learning virtually. He learned quickly that virtual learning was not for him. Instead of him accepting that and continuing to try, he decided to just give up all together. So, his 9th grade year was UGLY. GPA was a 1.7 (I think). Just not a good time.

His 10th grade year, we moved to Charlottesville. He was back in person in school. He made friends and his grades were back on track. Then he turned 16, and it felt like the passion for school faded again. As the old folks say, ‘he was smellin’ himself.’ This is where parenting started to get real tough for us.

He was deliberately not turning in school work. He was late for class, often. He would talk back to teachers.

It was just not good.

Kevin and I would have so many talks with him trying to encourage him. But there was a light missing in his eyes. It’s like he was still dim from his 9th grade year.

Trying to prepare him for college, we were able to see that he had improved his GPA so much. I meant the kid busted butt. He went from a 1.7, or lower, to a 2.9 by the end of his Junior year. We were so excited for him. However, he was not. He could not see his success or his hard work. This is when I knew it was time to truly dive deep into prayer over him and ask my community for help.

The enemy has been busy using my sons mind as a playground. It has been a ‘battle royale’ for years now.

We aren’t backing down.

Yesterday at church, my pastor said, “The enemy will attempt to destroy/distract to the degree that God wants to use you”. Knowing that the enemy is fighting so hard to keep him from doing God’s work just pushes us harder to fight.

God’s promises are ‘Yes’ and ‘Amen’.

I pray Ephesians 6:10-20 over my son. I’ve first hand watched the armor save his life. (That is a story for another day.)

So, if you’re a parent fighting the enemy every day to protect your child, know that you are not alone.

I am praying with you.

Pray Psalm 91 over your home.

Pray Ephesians 6:10 – 20 over your children.

The most powerful weapon we have is the Word.

Keep it stored in your heart. Speak life into your children.

Satan is working hard to destroy this generation. We need to equip them to fight as well. Sometimes we have to be the “bad guy” by making them go to church or practice scripture. It’s okay. If being the bad guy protects them and saves them, then be the bad guy. I am glad that my mom was the “bad guy.” It laid a foundation for me that I was able to go back to. Now I am working to lay that foundation for my kids.

God’s love and Mine,

Carrie