Over the next few weeks leading up to the release of Lead Your Family Like Jesus, Phil Hodges, one of my co-authors, and I are going to be answering questions that my amazing launch team queried us with. I hope you can learn from some of our answers. Parenting is a constant learning process, and I hope you’ll be encouraged in what you read.
What prompted you to start this book?
Phil: All families matter to God, and all children are the objects of God’s affection. Helping parents create a environment where love is the mightiest word is a purpose to be passionate about. Compared with the family there is no setting where inspiring and equipping people to lead like Jesus could have a more profound influence on the world we live in today.
Tricia: For me, I’ve been reading leadership books for years and then applying the concepts at home with my kids. When I first became a mom, I was seventeen years old. I didn’t even know how to lead myself, let alone a child! I realize right away that I was a leader even when I didn’t feel like it! I also realized God didn’t leave me alone. He’s already given me all the tools I need through Jesus. So this book will help parents understand what leadership is really about and how Jesus can help along the way.
What have you learned about parenting now that some of your kids are older?
Phil: “What they see is what you get.” The priorities and values you model in good times and bad are likely to show up in your children and their own families. It makes me smile when I see our kids improving on what we tried to do as they mold the values and self-worth of our grandkids.
Tricia: Having older kids has given me a such greater perspective as I have three little ones in the home again. I realize greater what things I need to focus on and what things are really not that important in the long run. I’m also more confident that Jesus is my partner in this journey. I’ve seen Him show up again and again through every age and stage, and I have faith He’ll continue to do that. I also realize that “today isn’t the end of the world.” It’s funny to laugh about now, but I’ve had those days when I’ve felt I’ve done everything wrong and I’m never going to succeed, and the kids are going to be ruined for life. Well . . . there will always be those days, but there will also be some great ones, too, and it all evens out.
*Photo credit: Image courtesy of photostock / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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