Welcome, fellow parents, to this exploration of how faith can transform the way you view and raise your child. My name is Coach Martin, and I’m excited to introduce you to the SHAPE Parenting Model, a faith-based approach designed to help parents build collaborative and interdependent relationships with their children. This model not only empowers children to become the best version of themselves but also equips them to be assets to their communities and society at large.
Let’s dive into how you can use faith to see beyond the circumstances of your child’s conception or upbringing and create a nurturing environment for their growth and success.
Understanding the SHAPE Parenting Model
The SHAPE Parenting Model is built on the foundation of leveraging the emotional, mental, and spiritual resources you have as a parent. It’s about taking stock of these resources and using them to connect with your child effectively. The model’s core idea is rooted in creating an environment where your values flow seamlessly into your child’s life, fostering their growth and development.
One of the key components of this model is the letter “S,” which stands for Spirit. Drawing inspiration from Genesis 1:26, which reminds us that we are made in God’s image and likeness, the SHAPE model emphasizes your ability to parent as God would—by functioning in your spiritual capacity.
1. Using Faith to See Beyond Present Circumstances
Faith allows parents to see the greatness and potential in their children, even when current conditions seem bleak. In Genesis 1:1, we see how God looked upon a formless and void earth and, through faith, transformed it into a world filled with life, beauty, and order. Similarly, as a parent, you can:
Visualize Your Child’s Potential: Faith enables you to see a bright future for your child, regardless of your current environment or challenges. This vision fuels positive interactions and inspires hope.
Speak Life into Your Child: Avoid negative labels or remarks. Instead, use words that affirm and uplift, focusing on the excellence and beauty you envision for your child.
Instill Positivity and Confidence: By seeing beyond present struggles, you can instill courage and resilience in your child, helping them overcome obstacles and thrive.
Example: Ben Carson’s story illustrates this principle powerfully. Despite growing up in difficult circumstances, his mother’s faith allowed her to see his potential. She instilled confidence, positivity, and discipline in him, paving the way for his remarkable achievements in the medical field.
2. Redefining the Circumstances of Conception or Upbringing
Faith also empowers parents to move past the pain or stigma associated with their child’s conception or upbringing. Whether the child was born into poverty, through a traumatic experience, or under challenging circumstances, faith allows you to:
Negate Negative Circumstances: Instead of focusing on how your child came into the world, focus on their future and the unique purpose they carry. See them as a gift from God, full of potential and promise.
Break Free from Resentment: Faith can heal the bitterness or anger tied to your child’s circumstances. This emotional shift allows you to nurture them with love and hope instead of frustration or regret.
Create a New Narrative: By faith, you can rewrite the story of your child’s life, focusing on their greatness rather than the pain or challenges surrounding their arrival.
Encouragement: Many parents in similar situations have chosen faith over despair and raised exceptional children who went on to impact the world positively. You can do the same by trusting in God’s plan and envisioning a bright future for your child.
3. Activating Love as a Resource
Faith and love go hand in hand. Love is the ultimate resource that parents can draw upon to nurture their children. But this love must be unconditional and selfless, just as God’s love is for us.
Unconditional Love: Love your child without strings attached. Avoid basing your affection or support on their actions, achievements, or behavior.
Sacrificial Love: Dedicate your time, energy, and resources to your child’s growth and well-being without expecting anything in return.
Empowering Love: Focus on what your child needs to flourish as a person, rather than on what you might gain from their success.
Biblical Perspective: God’s love for us is not conditional. He doesn’t love us more when we do right or less when we fail. Similarly, as parents, our love should remain constant and unwavering, reflecting God’s perfect love.
Faith Transforms Parenting
Faith gives parents the ability to parent like God—to see beyond limitations, speak life into existence, and love unconditionally. By practicing faith, you can:
Raise Your Child with a Future in Mind: Let faith guide your vision for your child, focusing on their potential rather than their current circumstances.
Transform Negative Situations: Use faith to overcome bitterness, heal emotional wounds, and create a hopeful narrative for your child’s life.
Build a Relationship Rooted in Love: Offer your child the security of knowing they are loved unconditionally, fostering their confidence and emotional well-being.
Conclusion
Parenting is a journey of faith, love, and purpose. By using faith, you can see beyond the circumstances of your child’s conception or upbringing and help them realize their God-given potential. The SHAPE Parenting Model provides a practical framework for building a collaborative and interdependent relationship with your child, empowering them to grow into the best version of themselves.
Remember, faith allows you to raise a “slum child” with a palace mentality. It enables you to call out the greatness in your child, speak life into their future, and love them unconditionally. As you practice faith and love, you’ll witness the transformative power it brings to your parenting journey.
Thank you for reading. I welcome your questions and look forward to continuing this conversation. Together, let’s raise children who shine with excellence and purpose!
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