Every family has their own challenges in life. Some challenges are greater than others. Sometimes we are ready to face our challenges and at other times, we want to bury our heads in the sand and pretend that when we look up again, the problem will go away. Not so simple.

Unfortunately, life is not like that. The issue is not going to disappear, you must confront the issue and take care of it . It is especially challenging for families with teenage children and young adults, maybe you have done everything you could to make sure your child is on the right track but because of the choices that child may have made however (whatever those choices maybe), left you in a place of hopelessness.

You maybe feeling inadequate, as if you have run out of options, as if you don't measure up, unable to connect with your teen or young adult. Don't be discouraged, help is on the way...It's called Prayer, talking to God on behalf of your child. As a parent, just remember that you may not have all the answers, sometimes, you have to watch your children grow and make their own mistakes. You must pray for your children no mater how much they yell at you or disrespect you ( I pray that they don't) but pray for them. Some of you may say well, I don't know how to pray, prayer doesn't have to be anything elaborate, talk to God the way you talk to someone you respect. Remember on the down days, be kind to yourself.

I am a mother of two young adults and on some days all I could do is pray for my children. You may appear to be the best parent and maybe you are, but at some point, that child is going to do what they want to do so be patient, sometimes they will make mistakes.

On the really hard days, take time out to encourage yourself, do something that brings you joy, take a really warm bath, get in some exercise, listen to music, read a good book if you can and revisit the issue at another time. Parents, those tough days requires a lot of love and understanding.

Pastor Nelle