On Being Holy
Eight weeks ago today we rushed through the hospital doors waiting to get a glimpse of our new grandson, Brandon Michael. We looked like a group of shoppers waiting for the doors to open at Target the day after Christmas.
We quickly entered the room where Brandon was being loved by his mom and dad and big brother Luke. I will never forget that visual picture. It’s now the picture on my screensaver. It’s the picture of a miracle.
The family (including all four grandparents) held hands to pray and thank God for this new life. Big brother Luke (age 3) said, “I will pway first…Thank you God for my bwudder bwandon (Brother Brandon). Thank you fow the nuwses and doctows that helped him get out of Mommy’s tummy…and that he will love Jesus like I love Jesus. Amen.”
I love Luke’s words, “That he will love Jesus like I love Jesus.” What a prayer—genuine and simple, yet profound. As Luke prayed, I sensed a smile on the face of God. For me, it was almost a holy moment. Don’t get me wrong. Luke definitely has his unholy moments. (We’re waiting for the terrible twos to end before he is four!)
But I am reminded of the need to teach our kids how to be holy in today’s world. Chip Ingram, president of Walk through the Bible, is the one who taught me that. Actually, Chip Ingrim has a lot to say on raising kids today. I think he is one of the greatest experts on child rearing, discipline, positive reinforcement, self image…everything from birth through teens.
This is why I am excited that we are offering Chip Ingram’s “Effective Parenting in a Defective World" six-week video series that will begin Sunday January 21, 2007. I encourage you to check out the details and meet me there.