The depth of love parents have for themselves and their children is truly awe-inspiring. It’s a profound emotion that fuels their desire to create a better future for their family. This love is the driving force behind their tireless efforts, their selfless sacrifices, and their unwavering commitment to their loved ones. It is a love that is unconditional, fierce, and enduring, capable of overcoming any obstacle or challenge that may come their way. 

This is the type of love God, our Father, showed us and mirrors for us. It is through his lens we learn to love our children well and be the best example for our children.

A Commitment to Love

Parents create a legacy of love, resilience, and determination through their actions and words that can inspire and impact future generations. It is a love that transcends time and place and leaves an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those who experience it.

Buckner Family Pathways participants are emulating this as they commit to our program for two to four years, as they pursue higher education to pursue a career, not just a job. These parents have made a commitment to themselves, their children, and to Buckner that they want to do and be better by working hard to achieve their goals. They are working hard to balance being a parent, a full-time student, and, in some cases, a part-time job to provide stability and a future for their family. 

More importantly, they are making a statement that they want to change the trajectory of their future by breaking generational cycles and stereotypes of what it typically looks like to be a “single parent.” This is the epitome of what love looks like in action.

“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” – Ephesians 5:1-2

A Resilience in Christ

When parents find their own identity in Christ and rely on him, they might just find themselves being more loving, joyful, patient, and kind. When the Holy Spirit is overflowing in them, it will naturally spill over into their parenting. This does not mean it won’t come without challenges and hardships, but having faith in God to continue to overcome the obstacles demonstrates their strength and commitment to their children.

It is through these hard times children can watch their parents and learn how to be resilient and strong, but more importantly, rely on their faith in God to continue on their journey. Love is not just a feeling but “a constant affection for and dedication to another.” Parenting is just that: a dedication to raising children to know what it is to be loved and how to navigate life’s challenges to be successful. 

A Sacrificial Love

God taught parents how to have a sacrificial type of love because he sacrificed his life for their sins as their Father. Parents can use his example to model the type of parenting required to love their children well. These types of sacrifices require parents to put their kids’ needs first while working to provide for those needs.

The lack of time and sleep to balance the constant things that require their attention can be exhausting. However, the reward is watching their family flourish and continue to move toward fulfillment in all areas of their life. 

“We love because He first loved us.” – 1 John 4:19 

It is the effectual love of God that first changes their hearts to make them capable of love, and it is his example that reminds them again and again of their need to love their children well.

Dior Burns is Director of Administration & Operations at Buckner Children & Family Services – Houston.

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