Biblical Answer

Can I still be a good mother/father after this?

In the face of personal struggles, such as disability, loss of respect, or feeling threatened, it's natural to wonder if we can still be good parents. The Bible reminds us that our identity and worth come from God, not from our circumstances (Psalm 139:13-14). As we seek guidance from God's Word, we can find reassurance that our value as parents is not defined by our ability to perform certain tasks or meet societal expectations.

A good parent is not someone who is perfect or self-sufficient, but rather someone who is willing to seek God's guidance and strength in the midst of challenges. Phil, a father in the provided text, exemplifies this when he tells his son, "Well, I'm going to miss you more. You are a good man and you're going to be a great man. I loved you when you were young, and I love you now" (emphasis mine). Phil's words demonstrate that he values his son's character and worth, regardless of his circumstances. This kind of parenting is rooted in a heart of self-control, as Mary advised, "Fight for your child!" (emphasis mine).

Ultimately, being a good parent means being willing to seek God's guidance and to trust in His sovereignty, even when we face challenges or uncertainty. By doing so, we can learn to let go of our need for control and perfection, and instead focus on raising our children to be passionate Jesus followers. As we seek to lay a foundation of faith in our children, we can trust that God is working in their lives, even when we can't see it (Romans 8:28). By trusting in God's goodness and love, we can find the strength and courage to be good parents, even in the midst of personal struggles.