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The Legacy of Faith: How My Mom’s Imperfect Parenting Shaped My Life

Let me begin by affirming that God works through imperfect parents and imperfect parenting—because, in truth, that’s the only kind of parenting that exists. My story is a reflection of God’s remarkable grace and a tribute to my mother’s imperfect yet deeply intentional efforts.

My father was not a believer, my parents divorced when I was eight, and my mother faced significant struggles with mental health, including clinical depression and anxiety. Despite these challenges, she was determined to root our lives in faith. She understood that our strength came from our relationship with the Lord and made it her mission to raise me as a disciple of Christ.

Looking back, I see the fingerprints of God’s grace through the intentional efforts of one remarkable woman—my mom. Though her journey as a single parent was far from easy, she leaned into her faith and modeled three foundational principles that shaped my life and ministry: trusting in the Lord, being a living example, and the importance of the Church and being in a community of believers. These three principles, much like a “three-legged stool,” were essential for stability and spiritual growth:

1. Trusting in the Lord

From a young age, my mom taught me to place my trust in God, no matter the circumstance. Proverbs 3:5-6 became a life verse in our home:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Life wasn’t easy for her as a single parent. Finances were often tight, and uncertainty loomed large. Yet, she consistently turned to prayer and trust. I vividly remember lying in bed, overwhelmed by emotions, as my mom sang:

“Got any rivers you think are uncrossable? Got any mountains you can’t tunnel through? My God specializes in things thought impossible, And He will do what no other power can do.”

Her faith was more than words—it was an invitation to experience God for myself. One of the most defining moments of my life happened when I was still a young child. My mom knelt beside me at our living room couch, and there, I prayed the prayer of salvation with her. That simple yet profound moment of surrender to Christ became the cornerstone of my faith journey. She taught me that dependence on the Lord wasn’t a sign of weakness but the greatest source of strength. Her faith was contagious, and even in her tears, she modeled how to lean on God through life’s storms.

2. Being a Living Example

My mom believed that actions spoke louder than words, and her life reflected the character of Christ. Although we never had formal family devotions, the things of God were woven into our daily lives. She prayed aloud, read her Bible daily, and often cried out to the Lord with a sincerity that left a deep impression on me.

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 describes her approach perfectly:

“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

One example stands out vividly. Despite the pain of divorce, my mom consistently treated my dad with respect and encouraged reconciliation where possible. Her kindness extended to neighbors, church members, and even strangers. These everyday acts of grace were sermons without words, teaching me what it meant to live like Christ.

Her faith wasn’t theoretical; it was practical and deeply transformative. Watching her devotion inspired me to pursue my own relationship with God—not out of obligation but from witnessing its reality in her life.

3. The Importance of Church and Being in a Community of Believers

Church was never optional in our home—it was foundational. My mom understood the value of being surrounded by a community of believers and made it a priority for us.

Sunday services, midweek Bible studies, and youth group events weren’t just activities; they were lifelines. She encouraged me to actively participate—whether it was volunteering in children’s ministry or joining the worship team. For her, church wasn’t merely a place to go; it was a family to belong to.

The friendships, mentorship, and spiritual growth I experienced in those formative years are treasures I carry into my own ministry today. My mom’s unwavering commitment to church taught me the importance of building community and investing in others as part of our faith journey.

My Mom’s Legacy in My Ministry

Although I realize these are very simple things, I was discipled before the invention of the internet, when there was much less accessible information and far fewer tools to assist a divorced

and single parent. My mom’s faithfulness—despite limited resources—profoundly influenced my discipleship journey.

If God used my mom’s simple efforts to leave such a lasting impact, how much more will He bless your strategic and informed efforts to disciple your children today? With access to countless tools, resources, and support systems, the opportunities to invest in your children’s faith have never been greater.

My mom didn’t have a perfect life or a detailed parenting manual. What she had was a steadfast faith in Jesus and a desire to see her child walk in that same faith. Her lessons on trusting God, living as an example, and embracing the church’s community became the bedrock of my walk with Christ and my ministry.

If you’re a parent wondering how to lead your child in faith, take heart in this: it’s not about perfection, it’s about persistence. Trust God, model His love, and keep your family connected to the body of Christ. You may not see the fruit immediately, but God is faithful to complete the work He has begun.

To this day, I thank God for my mom’s unwavering faith and quiet strength. Her influence not only shaped my life but continues to ripple out through the countless lives touched by my ministry. Her story is a beautiful reminder that one faithful parent can make an eternal impact.