Welcome to the Love Where You Are podcast! 

In today’s episode I am joined with Mary DeMuth

She’s been writing for 30+ years with over 45 published books, translated into five languages. She has mentored writers all this time and continues through the Rockwall Christian Writers group. Mary also pioneered a literacy agency in 2022 called Mary DeMuth Literary, where she shepherds writers towards traditional publishing. Mary has lived a full life, loves Jesus, and wants to share that power of redemption with others.

In today’s conversation, Somer and Mary get real about the heartbreak parents face as their children enter adulthood and make decisions which can cause division. Things like children leaving the faith, choosing opposite political views, or even “coming out” with a sexual or gender identity. As Christian parents, it is easy to feel shame and guilt when our kids choose these paths, wondering where we went wrong, how it makes us look, and how to "fix" our kids. This is a very important topic, as more division increases in our culture and raising our kids in the faith isn’t easy. Mary encourages us to love, pray, and listen, and to know God the Father deals with this too… his children have also turned astray, and He can help us get through these challenges.

Thank you for being here today. Now, let's dive into the conversation! 

You can connect with Mary through Facebook, Instagram, and her website. 

You can also order her new book! And listen to her podcast. 

Special resource! 52 special prayers for your child from Mary DeMuth. 

 

FAVORITE TAKE-AWAYS:

 *It can be really scary watching our kids start to make choices--especially if they are bad choices! We have to let them, especially if they are a full grown adult. 

*Our relationship with our child, if its healthy, changes over the years. We go from parent to coach to friend, but yes, we'll always be their parent too. It's just a change in role shift.

*When you find division and conflict with your grown child, here are some steps to help:

-Ask why, don't assume bad intentions 

-Find common ground 

-Seek reconciliation 

 

REMEMBER:

*As parents, it is our job to train up our kids for success as adults. That means easing them into this new phase of life, not dropping them into it. Gradually granting freedom over time as they grow. 

*Love, Pray, and Listen! Your children need to know you love them, not judge them. Your children need your prayers. Your children need you to listen. Even if you don't understand why they're making choices, listening is crucial to keeping the door open to conversations. 

*Your identity is not in your children. Yes, you are a parent and have a responsibility to raise them, but their choices do not make up who you are. And, it is okay to grieve a child who's gone astray. 

 

Connect with Somer! 

Stay connected to Somer and the Love Where You Are podcast through her Facebook & Instagram! Now, go love where you are and live on mission for Jesus today.