One word of strength. One word of need. Life is busy. We're doing our best to be great moms but sometimes we let our kids melt into one mold and parent them the same way. When we let that happen, our kids can become marginalized or feel distant from us because their specific strengths and needs aren't being used for growth.

I talk about Hot Button issues and choices with my kids all the time. But recently I approached their needs in a different way. I looked at each of my six kids and identified their One Words.

Each of them has one specific strength that stands out above other traits, sets them apart from their five siblings, and makes them a powerful individual. Similarly, each has one need that can may be a weakness or a point of frustration for that child. I identified these things with one word.

For example, at this time, one my girls embodies these two words: Tenderhearted. Fearful.

Tenderhearted: She is grieved by the pain others feel and by the sin she sees all around her. She has a quiet grace about her that rejects dissension and disobedience and allows her to reach out to others in their needs. She feels deep tenderness for people that often brings her to tears as she prays for and worries about them.

Fearful: She spends a lot of her time worrying about the future, worrying about yesterday, wondering if she's doing the right thing, worried about people, worried about her future children...simply afraid.

With those identifications in place, I can appreciate her tenderness and help her to cultivate that Godly trait into something powerful, while working against the fear it stirs up in her. I can help her empathize with others, but then turn it over to God in surrender, not cling to it in worry.

Why not examine your kids as individuals and let their One Words leap out at you from within their characters? If it's not clear at first, pray that God would show you what He'd like you to focus on right now. You can reinforce what's already growing and taking shape in your kids' lives, and you'll also be more able to pray for them and build them up where there is need.

How about your kids, what are some of the things you can embrace and nurture?

Faithfulness. Generosity. Kindness. Mercy. Gratitude. Evangelism. Trust. Faith. Peace....

And what are some of the things you might need to battle with and for your kids?

Doubt. Fear. Discontent. Rebellion. Pride. Low (or high) self-esteem. Entitlement....

What else? What One Words do YOU see as you consider your kids?

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23

Blessings, Nicole O'Dell

***letter photo from from freedigitalphotos.net by Stuart Miles

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