As I’ve walked this journey, much of the feedback I’ve received and many of the questions I’ve been asked center on, “What would you have done differently?” or “What could you have done differently?” My answer isn’t simple—it ranges from nothing to everything.

I’ve spent many sleepless nights in tears, asking myself those same questions. No parent sets out to have a prodigal. No parent plans to raise a child who loses their way and strays from the Lord. Yet here we are.

At the heart of it all is sin. We are raising children in a world that continually desensitizes them to sin and its consequences. The fear of sin has been replaced with indifference, and our ability to discern it has been quietly eroded.

I’m not here to tell you how to parent. Every family looks different, and every child walks a different path. I am here to share my story, to point out where I became complacent, and to plead with you to seek the Lord wholeheartedly in your own parenting journey.

We can likely all agree that the influences shaping our children today—social media, entertainment, video games, and even the church—are far different from what we experienced ourselves. Navigating each of these spaces requires constant discernment and effort. The work of monitoring and shepherding so much can leave parents weary and depleted.

The Lord is clear in His Word about our responsibilities as parents. What I believe we often lose sight of is the source of our strength. Ephesians 6:10 reminds us, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.” Looking back, I can see how often I relied on my own strength—making decisions in my own wisdom—and how that led me to weariness.

The good news is this: if sin is the problem, Jesus is the answer. It sounds almost too simple, yet it is absolutely true. First and foremost, spending time in His Word is essential. Knowing His will for your life matters. Understanding sin and recognizing its impact on your life matters. Living a life set apart for holiness matters.

All of this can sound overwhelming, like so much work—but it begins simply. Pray. Ask the Lord to show you. Ask Him to give you a desire to know Him and His Word. And no matter how old your child is, ask Him to do the same in your child’s life.

This is where I would begin. Ask God today to make His desires your own. Ask the Lord to give you a hunger for His Word and a heart that seeks His holiness.

Praying for you today.