Start off on the Right Path; Lead by Example

Raising a baby is a rewarding experience that does come with challenges and sacrifices. For me, once I found out that I was pregnant, I changed my entire life around. At that time, I was a new Christian and just starting to relearn about God and His rules. At the time, I was a vegetarian and had been one for almost a decade. At the time, I was reading Leviticus and about how God allowed us to eat animals. That was permission enough for me. Let me tell you, that first burger was heavenly. I also had to change my routine around. Being pregnant, it wasn't about me anymore. Every little thing I did I had to think about, making sure our baby's best interest was at heart. I remember being tired all of the time and during that first trimester, the morning sickness was real. Nonetheless, I still made sure to praise God throughout the day. I for one did not take His little blessing lightly. I was going to do whatever it took to make God apart of our baby's life.

I remember watching countless sermons, learning and growing in my faith daily. I knew that once our little one was here, I wanted to devote a lot of our time learning about God. My brothers and sisters in Christ, I can honestly tell you that the Holy Spirit was upon me. I remember watching and listening to sermons and suddenly being overcome with emotions due to the message that was being preached. I know for a fact that this was not a result of morning sickness, for this had been happening ever since Jesus called me to Him. To this day, it still happens, which lets me know that He is with me.

I wanted our baby to stay away from secular children's programming, due to the messages and propaganda the media is instilling in today's children. Using my journalistic skills, I did my own research and started watching different Christian programming for children to get a head start on what our little one would be exposed to. Through those 9 months, I found some really good shows that would teach her about God and how to live a life in Christ. As time goes on, I will post some of the programming we watch, as well as why I find it appropriate for our daughter. I can say that I'm glad that I did this because she remembers them from the womb.

Being in Christ means that we must take up our cross daily, not living in the flesh, but of the spirit (Luke 9:23). What does that mean? That means that even though we are tempted to partake in unrighteous behavior, we deny those urges and stay on the faithful path, turning away from sin. For me, this was music. Before turning to Christ, I would listen to music that spoke of sinful behavior and some contained blasphemy. Still to this day, I come across songs that I used to love. I deny myself those songs to not only stay in Christ, but to also set an example for our daughter. How can I listen to inappropriate content and expect her to do the same as she gets older?

As Christian parents, we have an obligation to our children to ensure that they are not led astray. The best way to do that is for us to take up our cross and lead by example. Will we succeed every time? No, for we are not perfect and will never be perfect like Jesus. It is important for us to talk to our Lord and ask Him for strength to overcome the desires of the flesh. Our children look to us for guidance. Whether we are aware of it nor not, they are always watching our every move. Let us lead by example and take up our cross, so that our children can see that we practice what we preach to them.