Not Under My Shadow — Under My Stewardship and God’s Covering
Today I heard someone say that children want to “get out from under the shadow of their parents” and do things their own way. And while I understand the heart behind that statement — independence, growth, finding your own path — I believe the language matters.
Our children were never meant to live under our shadow. They were meant to live under stewardship, guidance, and God’s covering.
There is a difference. A shadow implies limitation and a diminishing of character. Stewardship implies responsibility, protection, nurturing, and preparation.
God never designed parents to control their children — but He absolutely designed parents to cover them, guide them, and impart wisdom.
The Bible tells us that children are an inheritance from the Lord (Psalm 127:3). That means they are not just relationships — they are Assignments.
Assignments to:
- Teach wisdom
- Model faith
- Impart discernment
- Transfer values
- Build legacy
- Provide covering
Yes, our children will grow. Yes, they will choose their own paths. And no — they don’t have to follow us professionally to honor us.
But honor, respect, and receiving wisdom should never go out of style.
So often today, we see a culture that equates independence with rejecting counsel. But Scripture teaches something very different:
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 20:18)
Rejecting wisdom doesn’t make you strong.
Ignoring covering doesn’t make you mature.
Despising guidance doesn’t make you free.
It makes life harder than it needs to be.
There are some pitfalls you don’t need to learn by experience — because someone who loves you already walked that road.
This is how legacy works.
Legacy is not just money.
Legacy is not just buildings.
Legacy is wisdom transferred, values imparted, faith modeled, and honor preserved.
Our children are not called to live under our shadow —
They are called to be rooted in wisdom, strengthened by counsel, and covered by prayer.
And as parents, our job is not to control their future —Our job is to steward their Becoming.
With love, prayer, guidance, and grace.
Let’s raise children who are not just independent —But wise, grounded, honorable, and covered.
Yours In Christ
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