Image Symbolism: The child belongs to God. The parent’s role is intercession, not interception.
There’s a quiet but dangerous lie that’s crept into the hearts of many parents:
“This child belongs to me.”
Not just in the sense of love or responsibility—but in control, in destiny, in identity.
But here’s the truth:
You didn’t create that soul.
You were chosen to steward it.
God didn’t give you a child so you could build your own legacy.
He gave you a child so you could raise a warrior for His kingdom.
Children Are a Gift, Not a Possession
The shoes represent the child’s journey. The open hands say, “I’m here to guide, not control."
“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.”
— Psalm 127:3 (NIV)
Notice the language: heritage, reward.
Not property. Not extension. Not puppet.
God entrusts children to parents as sacred assignments.
They are arrows meant to be launched—not shackled.
“Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.”
— Psalm 127:4
Your job isn’t to aim them toward your dreams.
It’s to aim them toward His purpose.
When Parents Play God
Too often, parenting becomes a power play.
We say, “I know what’s best for you,”
when really, we mean, “I want you to reflect me.”
But God didn’t ask you to raise a mirror.
He asked you to raise a messenger.
“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”
— Ephesians 6:4
That verse doesn’t say “bring them up in your preferences.”
It says instruction of the Lord.
That means teaching them to hear God’s voice—even when it contradicts yours.
Stewardship Over Ownership
Parenting as stewardship of a divine design, not a personal project.
Let’s be clear:
You are not the author of your child’s calling.
You are the guide, the gardener, the guardian.
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.”
— Jeremiah 1:5
God had a plan for your child before you picked out their name.
Before you chose their school.
Before you imagined their future.
So ask yourself:
Are you raising your child to fulfill your vision?
Or are you preparing them to walk in His?
A Call to Recommit
Parenting is holy ground.
It’s not about control—it’s about consecration.
Let’s repent for the times we’ve tried to mold God’s masterpiece into our own image.
Let’s release the grip and return to the posture of stewardship.
Because when we raise children for His glory,
we raise up a generation that won’t just obey us—they’ll obey Him.
And that’s the kind of legacy that lasts.
A Parent’s Prayer of Surrender and Stewardship
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the sacred gift of this child—
not as a possession, but as a purpose.
Not to reflect me, but to reveal You.
I confess the times I’ve tried to shape their future
according to my fears, my dreams, my image.
Forgive me for forgetting that they were Yours
before they were ever mine.
Today, I release control.
I surrender my expectations.
I lay down my plans and pick up Your promises.
Teach me to parent with open hands and a listening heart.
Help me to guide, not grip.
To nurture, not dictate.
To lead them toward Your voice, not just mine.
May my child grow in wisdom, in stature,
and in favor with You and with others.
May they be bold in truth, gentle in love,
and unwavering in their calling.
Let Your Spirit be their compass.
Let Your Word be their foundation.
Let Your presence be their home.
And let me—by Your grace—be a faithful steward of the soul You’ve entrusted to me.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Journal Prompts:
For Parents Who Want to Steward, Not Control
1. “Whose voice am I echoing in my parenting?”
Reflect on whether your guidance is shaped more by culture, fear, family expectations—or by God’s Word.
2. “What dreams have I placed on my child that may not be theirs to carry?”
Write a letter to God releasing those dreams, and ask Him to reveal His dreams for your child.
3. “How do I respond when my child’s choices challenge my comfort?”
Explore your reactions—do they reflect trust in God’s sovereignty or a need for control?
4. “What does it mean to raise a child for God’s glory?”
Describe what that looks like practically, emotionally, and spiritually in your daily life.
5. “What scriptures anchor me when I feel anxious about my child’s future?”
List them. Pray them. Let them become your parenting foundation.
Art Prompts:
For Visual Reflection and Release
1. Draw two hands—one clenched, one open.
Inside the clenched hand, sketch symbols of control (e.g., a checklist, a leash, a mirror).
Inside the open hand, sketch symbols of surrender (e.g., a dove, a seed, a cross).
Title it: “Letting Go to Let God.”
2. Create a visual prayer map for your child.
Use arrows, paths, and light to represent the journey you hope they take with God.
Include scripture verses as signposts along the way.
3. Paint or collage a “heavenly blueprint.”
Imagine God’s design for your child—what colors, symbols, or textures reflect their calling?
Let the Spirit guide your choices.
4. Design a “Parent’s Surrender Shield.”
Instead of armor for battle, this shield represents spiritual surrender.
Fill it with words, images, or prayers that help you release control and trust God.
5. Illustrate the phrase: “I am raising a child for the Kingdom.”
Use imagery that reflects royalty, purpose, and divine light—not perfection or performance.
Sam would love to see your artwork! Share it with us on IG! Tag @sams.signature
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