Spiritual guidance powered by AI and grounded in Scripture
Your Question:
Can I still be a good parent if I'm struggling with mental health?
Answer:
As a pastor and a parent, I've seen firsthand the challenges of raising children while struggling with one's own mental health. It's a heavy burden to bear, but I want to assure you that you can still be a good parent even when you're struggling. In fact, it's precisely in those moments of weakness that we need to cry out to God for help. As the passage in "Becoming a Praying Parent" suggests, submitting ourselves to God and asking for His guidance is the first step towards becoming the parent and intercessor He wants us to be. It's also important to remember that parenting is not just about being perfect, but about being present and available to our children. Even when we're struggling with our own mental health, we can still show up for our kids, listen to them, and offer them love and support. And let's be honest, kids can sense when we're struggling, and they often respond with compassion and understanding. My own son Joshua, for example, has been a source of comfort and strength for me in times of need. Ultimately, being a good parent is not about being depression-free or anxiety-free; it's about being willing to face our struggles head-on, with God's help, and to do our best to raise our children to be confident, capable, and compassionate individuals. As the passage says, "you can become a praying parent and a praying child, and in doing so, you can change the course of your child's life." So, don't give up – keep praying, keep seeking God's guidance, and trust that He will help you be the parent your child needs.
Sources:
power of a praying parent
stormie omartian
depression
edward welch
the war on children
john macarthur
philippians colossioan philemon
r kent hughes
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