It was hard at times, but I was determined to make choices that were consistent with my faith and what my parents taught me. That was only possible because they had done such a good job making sure I was firmly rooted in my faith in Christ. I like to contrast my time in Paris to what my husband and I experienced serving as full-time missionaries in Brazil. We were met with poverty, a foreign culture, different language, unfamiliar foods, and social norms that were far outside our experience. If my roots had been in the comforts and security of home, I would have folded like a house of cards. I would have literally been uprooted from everything that held me in place. However, since my foundation was in Christ, I made it through just fine. Jesus, my Rock and foundation, was in Brazil with me. I thank God every day for parents who worked hard to make sure I had my feet planted on solid ground. Their faithfulness to God’s calling gave me the best possible start in life and ensured my roots would grow deep and strong in the unmoving, unshakable bedrock of Jesus Christ.
Raising godly children is not for the faint of heart. It’s difficult and messy. John and I struggled a lot. We often felt battered from storms of uncertainty and confusion that hit unexpectedly as we struggled to equip our children with the roots they needed. Even when things got dark and chaotic, we knew God would see us through. We held fast to the words of David, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me” (Psalm 23:4, NIV). God was with us through every moment we spent in a dark valley; with our faith rooted firmly in Him, we were able to face each one with peace and hope.
That’s the kind of depth we must provide for our children—a deep, secure foundation upon which they can “live [their] lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as [they] were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness” (Colossians 2:6–7, NIV). That firm foundation isn’t just fertile soil for growing roots; it’s a launching pad for sending amazing adults out into the world.
***
For more from Trudy Cathy White, check out her new book, Climb Every Mountain: Finding God Faithful in the Journey of Life, available now.
