Authentic Parenting in a Postmodern Culture
by Mary E. DeMuth
Harvest House, July 1, 2007
“Just pick one,” my sister-in-law encouraged me many years ago. I was overwhelmed by the amount of infant-care information out there, and turned to her for advice. “If you start reading too many books, it’s too much. Just find one that you trust and go with it.” Good advice. Back then it was “The Baby Book” by Dr. Sears. That was my no nonsense guide to caring for the two premature, squirming infants in my arms.
Dealing with tandem feedings and diaper rash is one thing, but most of us find that the problems of parenting get more complicated as children get older. The issues are no longer black and white, or even easily defined. I agreed to participate in this blog tour for Mary E. Demuth’s new book, “Authentic Parenting in a Postmodern Culture,” because the title appealed to me. I read the book cover-to-cover in a matter of days, and it resonates with me. Part memoir, part how-to, this book draws on her experience as a church planter in France, and the journey of faith God took her family on while they were serving there. Watching her children struggle in school and deal with bullies and unfair teachers and people hostile to Christianity, Mary did what every Mother I know would do: she freaked out. And then she went a step further and chose to trust God with her children. Again and again.
I found so much wisdom in this book.
Mary writes, “What is the goal of parenting as postmodernity kicks at our heels? Producing perfect children who fit into our American box of Christianity (which leans far more toward commercialism and materialism than we’re willing to admit)? Or is it to raise children who are infatuated with the person of Jesus? Who know life’s not all about them?”
This resonates with me.
Mary writes, “What would our families look like if freedom rather than control measured how well we were following truth? As we parent from infant to toddler to child to young adult, could we see more freedom as our children age? Less adherence to legalism and more capacity to actually walk a faith journey with Jesus?”
If you know me at all, either in real life or through this blog, you know that this is what I’m about. My goal as a Mother is to raise children who love Jesus and are ready to fly. As I nurture their God-given gifts and passions, I pray that they will find productive and meaningful roles in society. And as my children grow and become increasingly independent, I pray for the courage to lovingly guide them on their journeys, but ultimately, to trust God. He loves my kids even more than I do. This book is a beautiful reminder to me today, the second day of Kindergarten for the noisy boys: God is faithful.
I highly recommend this book. Whether you’re a newbie or veteren parent, you will find encouragement here. To purchase, click here.
Be sure to check out the other blogs participating on the Authentic Parenting Tour this week. For a complete listing of the blogs participating in the six week tour, visit here.
Ane Mulligan
A Peek at My Bookshelf
Candle Blog
Declaring His Marvelous Work
Five Bazillion and One
Generation NeXT Parenting
GraceReign
Holy Experience
Hopeful Happenings
In the Dailies
Leap of Faith
Lift My Noise
Llama Momma
sprightly
Soul Scents
Spaghettipie
The View from Here
Write On Edge
7 comments:
Great post! Thank you for the encouragement. It was a fantastic book ... one with parts I will read again and again.
Hmmmm. I'm already praying for the husbands of my daughters. I hope they have moms like you! OR are even you. :)
Great thoughts here. Looks like a guide that really helps one on with a real human in the way of Jesus parenting. Human as God means it to be.
I wonder if the book deals about real difficult issues that parents sometimes face, such as the prodigal child, or caring for a special needs child, etc. But even if not, it looks like a great and worthy book to have, especially for parents to be.
Tanya -- I agree. This is a book I will read and re-read as we go through different seasons with our children.
Sarah -- Now THAT would be something.
Ted -- This book would be most helpful for the tween and teen years. I'm not quite there yet, but I can see it on the horizon. Meaning, we're still in the "directive" years: five year old twin boys need plenty of boundaries, and we set them. But as they get older, my hope is that parenting becomes less rigid and more relational.
As far as "special needs," the book doesn't deal specifically with that. Or the prodigal. Though it would be helpful for those parents in relationship building.
At it's core, this book encourages parents to have a radical and authentic relationship with Jesus, and to help children experience the same.
Thanks for the recommendation... you sound like you have a similar approach to life as me, so I'll look forward to the read.
mamatoo -- from what I know of you, you will love this book! You would enjoy it now, but even more in five+ years when the kids are a bit older.
I've heard others talk about this book and it does sound interesting. I need to check this one out!
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