Eight Great Ways to Raise Strong Kids: See Your Child's Beauty

This blog series is adapted from "Woman of Valor" written by Marilynn Chadwick. To download the full book, please go here. by Marilynn Chadwick By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king's edict (Hebrews 11:23). Seeing our child’s beauty takes spiritual insight. The Bible tells us Moses’ parents saw he was a “beautiful child.” The word translated as “beautiful” in Hebrews 11:23 is used only one time in the entire New Testament. It means: “urbane, refined, and a city dweller.” His mother and father risked their lives to hide Moses from the king’s genocidal plot for three months. In that short time, they observed his unique design. Perhaps they sensed that he would be well-suited to be educated in the sophistication of Pharaoh’s courts. It wasn’t by accident that Moses’s mother—a courageous woman of faith—placed him in a basket on the riverbank where she knew Pharaoh’s daughter would find him. Moses would go on to lead God’s people out of captivity in Egypt. God’s dreams for your children often unfold as you learn to see their beauty. This reminds us of the importance of studying our children. And of the need to pray for insight into their talents, gifts, and character. God gives parents that special gift to serve as advocates for their children. I chose to be home with our children when they were young. Not because I was afraid they couldn’t make it without me, but because my goal was to raise world changers. Discovering the beauty in our children was, for me, the most intriguing aspect of parenting. But it took time and energy… and lots of watching. I wanted to be the one to help launch their dreams. A well-known Christian psychologist once emphasized the importance of helping our children develop a gift or a talent. We should also help our children look attractive, he said. Sound superficial? Think again. Reasonably stylish haircuts and clothing are not a waste, he argued. Having a talent along with an attractive appearance strengthens our children’s self-esteem. They may be rejected for their Christian faith, he acknowledged, but not because they’re simply out of step with the world. I enjoyed looking for the potential in each of our children. God has given mothers and fathers special insight into their children’s character and calling so that we can help them find their way in the world.