Raising Faithful Families


Nicole McGalla (right) with her husband, Mark, and children Kai (son) and Aneri (daughter), face challenges typical of many families striving to raise children in a Christian faith that prevailing culture no longer supports to the extent known by parents of previous generations. She relates her experience and encourages other parents to share their stories.


COORDINATED BY NICOLE MCGALLA


I can remember back to a time when Sundays were reserved for church and family time. We didn’t have activities or athletic games and practices on Sundays when I was a child. It seems that our culture no longer supports sacred time to worship and just be with our families. Instead, many families are split up over the weekend figuring out how to be at their child’s events, or at least have one parent represent the family. Tidings asked FPCA families how they prioritize God and church in the midst of crazy family schedules. Here’s what some parents had to say.


LISA GRAMMES


We haven’t had a free Sunday morning since I can remember, and it truly troubles me that fulfilling obligations to our children’s sports teams seems to have taken over every aspect of our lives.


We are learning that we have to fight to keep important parts of our lives healthy. Unless we make an effort, set priorities, and learn to say no at times, our children’s athletic and social schedules would obliterate faith and family time. While we want our children to understand the importance of sports lessons like teamwork and keeping promises, we also want them to put a high priority on their faith and on nurturing their souls. It can be very difficult to find a balance. We are finding our way, learning as we go.


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