Never to Depart

I was raised on pews, potlucks, and powerful preaching. If the church doors were open, my parents would make sure I was on the other side of them — Sunday School, Sunday morning service, Sunday night service, Wednesday night service, youth group, and revival week marathons that lasted longer than some of today’s movie binges.

And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Those early years were filled with Bible stories, scripture memorization, flannelgraphs, and hymns with hand motions. God was as familiar to me as my lunchbox.

Back then, life’s biggest challenges were pop quizzes and playground drama — but even then, I knew Who to call on for help. (Spoiler: It wasn’t the Marvels.)

All that “training up” wasn’t just spiritual busywork — it was foundation-laying. My parents weren’t raising a church kid; they were raising a future warrior of faith. And those same truths they handed me? I handed it to my children. And now, I see my grandchildren walking in those same footsteps. That’s the beauty of generational blessing.

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6

Turns out, the God who kept Daniel safe from lions and walked through fire with Shadrach and friends still shows up in dens and furnaces today.

The same God who helped David take down giants and parted Red Seas for Moses? He’s still moving mountains and making a way where there is no way — right here, right now.

More than that, the Savior who touched the leper, opened blind eyes, and walked out of the grave — that same Jesus lives in us today. His love isn’t ancient history — it’s our daily reality.

So, hats off to my parents. They didn’t just take me to church — they introduced me to the One who is the Church. They equipped me for life’s battles with armor that still fits, still works, and still wins.

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” – Lamentations 3:22-23

This little “Praise the Lord” moment brought to you by one grateful daughter — and her never-failing Father. You’re welcome!