Whatever Is True

Whatsoever series

Philippians 4:8 says “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

Being a college parent involves a lot of praying and cheering for your student. For many families, it means changing how often you talk, and becoming okay with less than daily updates. Trust my report of what I’ve watched and listened to as families move through this change in their lives. The change in communication, its direction and its frequency, is one of the hardest changes in family relationships. Becoming a partner in life with your student may flip your family conversations inside-out in amazing, God-honoring ways. It takes intentional actions and words that are supported by the right attitude. The families who have felt the most successful growth in this area are the ones who recognize that their child is no longer a little boy or girl but rather a young adult that God is equipping to be a full-grown adult version of themselves. They give over the reigns knowing that God is equipping their young adult. The families who cling to God’s faithfulness seem to be better able to endure when their students’ choices test the truth, communication, adulting, and long-held boundaries. No matter what happens today, trust in the Lord.

As your family begins this new chapter in your lives, anticipate that each family member’s new schedule will bring new stresses. Cover them by praying. Make it an action plan! Instead of worrying, choose to pray God’s truth through it. Instead of doubting, choose to declare God’s faithfulness through it. Practicing your faith like this will make it into a bedrock. Your student will be counting on your steadiness. Their success in college and in following the Lord as He equips them for the future may depend on how you cheer for them especially in those midnight phone calls when they are feeling low or super-stressed, and say they’ve already failed when the truth is — they have only just gotten started.

Pursuing God’s dreams in their lives is a life-long pursuit, not an overnight wonder. Give the pursuit time. Give your children time. The Lord has all the time He needs. Lean into His Truth for your student’s todays and tomorrows.

My friends, this year is also your year to be Training as a Champion for Christ. If you’d like a place to start, take a look at “How to Talk to a College Student”. There are nuggets of wisdom in it that may help your conversations become productive, positive, faith-filled ones that will cheer them on! May the Lord give perfectly all that you need.

As Apostle Paul says, think on these things.

Meet the Author

Tamatha Anthony

 Assistant Director

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