In the movie, Jingle All the Way, two dads have promised their sons a superhero action figure for Christmas, but discover (when they finally go shopping on Christmas day) the toy is sold out. There’s all kinds of jostling and racing to get the last one in the store and a rivalry ensues to find one.
In a cultural environment that’s evolving faster than light-speed, the weight of parenthood is overwhelming. It’s not merely the hip new slang to learn, but clearly and confidently answering the deeper existential questions about our identity and purpose.
There’s a rivalry for our children’s attention and formation from the world around us. Movies, video games, books, social media, and education systems clamour for position to make the most of their influence. As parents, we want to be proactive in shaping our children's worldview and not leave it to the last minute. If we do, we’re cast among the restless, noisy crowd of sources.
Ed Drew's book, Raising Confident Kids in a Confusing World, is a valuable resource that can guide us.
Raising Confident Kids in a Confusing World | Book Review
Content
My Take
Content
Purpose of the Book
This book helps you, the parent, understand your identity in Christ, then in turn teach your children. The author shows you how gospel truths shape your parenting, equipping you to lead your children confidently in who they are in Christ.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1 This Is Me CHAPTER 2 What Do You (Really) Want Most For Your Kids? CHAPTER 3 I Am Precious to God CHAPTER 4 I Am Forgiven CHAPTER 5 I Can Change CHAPTER 6 I Know What To Do When I’m Not OK CHAPTER 7 I Am Wonderfully Made CHAPTER 8 Friendships, Sex and Marriage CHAPTER 9 Boys, Girls and Gender
CHAPTER 10 With Jesus, Like Jesus
Summary
The author weaves in stories with biblical examples of how the believer’s identity is found in Christ. You’ll find 4 questions for reflection at the end of each chapter to help you process the material.
My Take
Consider Your Beliefs About Behaviour
When you live in rural Africa and hold your church service sitting on grass mats beneath a mango tree, the distractions children face number like the hairs on your head. The kids run around finding, and eating, mangoes, chasing chickens and climbing all over their mothers’ backs. Lengthy services require diversions for the little ones, it’s a normal part of church culture.
After we moved home and shifted into a pastoral role, our parenting came under a greater level of scrutiny, complete with feedback from observers in the congregation. I felt pressure to make sure my children were on “good behaviour,” particularly Sunday mornings.
Here’s the thing, “good” behaviour doesn’t equal a “good” heart.
Yes we want our children to behave well, but why?
We’ve got to search our own hearts on this. Am I trying to avoid embarrassment? Is there fear someone will comment on what my child did? Will people judge me, or think less of me, because of something that they did?
When we recognize our own anxieties, it leads us to consider the effect on our response as parents. If these concerns are at the forefront of our minds, we undoubtedly project to our kids the utmost significance is what others think of us…rather than what God thinks.
This perspective helps open up conversation with our kids about what their behavior reflects about their heart. Rather than using fear as a motivator, we can pause to ask and reflect on what Scripture teaches us about how to act and pray to seek the help of the Holy Spirit.
Our kiddos aren’t perfect, and neither are we. Praise be to God that we are His. We are forgiven and redeemed, being transformed into His likeness every day by the power of the Spirit.
Parents, Put Your Armour On
What we believe about who we are is both caught and taught.
If we lack confidence in our identity, how will we teach our children? When we waver with doubt and unbelief our foundation shifts like sinking sand.
This book isn’t specifically about the armour of God in Ephesians 6, but I’m reminded again how parenting requires the strength of God and invites us to take our stand against the ploys of the enemy by guarding ourselves with truth and righteousness, peace and faith, in the Word and in prayer.
My Recommendation
This book is best suited for parents of younger - middle years children, although any stage would benefit, particularly if you’re beginning your parenting journey, to help give you a firm foundation of the gospel and how to instill a biblically faithful mindset for your young ones.
Also, be sure to check out the publishers website for FREE prayer cards and FREE lockscreens for your phone. I printed out the prayer cards and keep them on my fridge.
Quick Stats
# of Pages: 176
Level of Difficulty: Easy
My Rating: 5 stars
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Scriptures on Our Identity in Christ
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. (1 Pe. 2:9)
But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. (Jn.1:12)
So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, (Eph 2:19)
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. (2 Cor. 5:20)
For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. (Col. 3:3)
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Rom 5:1)
*A big thanks to The Good Book Company for the complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to post an honest review.