Shaping Character: The Influence of Family and Faith in a Child’s Development
Innocence is what I saw when I first looked into the newborn eyes of my grandson, Avery. Integrity is what I see now as he makes daily choices, even when faced with challenges or temptations to behave otherwise. Well, that and a good dose of sass.
As a Grammie, I have a responsibility to help shape Avery’s character. My influence, and that of all his family, plays a significant role in his development. As I crafted the character of Thomas at four years old in the prequel to the Discerning God’s Best Series, my grandson was merely two. I glimpsed the potential of who Avery could become if he heeded God’s voice and if he allowed the truths of God to shape his character. I developed Thomas’s character from what I desired for Avery and crafted a loving, inquisitive child.
Now, Thomas is all grown up in Healing of the Heart. He’s aged faster than Avery, who turns five and prepares for kindergarten this fall. As Thomas begins his twenties and enters medical school, I found myself pondering the future for both him and Avery as I wrote book four in the series. One thing is certain: the challenges Avery will face, like those experienced by Thomas, will test my grandson’s faith.
Like the fictional Grammie, this Grammie will be on my knees in prayer.
Through the Discerning God’s Best Series, we witness how Thomas’s character blossoms. Through the guidance of figures like Grammie, Hans, and Rachel, we see how family and friends help shape Thomas into a person of virtue and faith.
Hans Carves More Than Wood
Hans is the gentle soul who carves not just the wooden cow Gerta he gives to Thomas but also the man of God who imparts life lessons and wisdom. Hans teaches Thomas to respect all of God’s creatures with these words: “You will be a great farmer, little man. Always remember to show reverence to all of God’s creatures, and they will respect you in return.” (DOMH, Book 1)
Hans said these almost as a blessing over the child and shared a crucial lesson with Thomas about showing reverence to all of God’s creatures. His words instilled in the young mind a deep respect for life and the natural world. This reverence for life becomes a cornerstone of Thomas’s character, evident in his compassion and care toward animals and mankind as an adult.
Rachel’s Seeds of Strength
Rachel, Thomas’s adoptive mother, planted seeds of moral strength in his heart, nurturing his faith and resilience. (DOMH, Book 1, and WAMH, Book 2) Rachel sowed and watered through her teachings on God’s love, faithfulness, and forgiveness. Her lessons fostered within Thomas a deep faith and resilience.
Biblical stories were beacons of hope for Thomas, teaching him to trust in God’s providence and persevere through trials. As an adult, Thomas approached challenges with unwavering determination, drawing strength from his faith and the lessons ingrained in him since childhood.
Grammie’s Words of Wisdom
Grammie spoke straight to the soul, urging Thomas to keep God’s Word close: “Thomas, keep God’s Word hidden in your heart that you might not sin against Him.” (DOMH, Book 1) Grammie made the story of Jonah come to life, urging Thomas never to flee from God. This foreshadowing comes to fruition in Healing of the Heart.
Grammie encouraged Thomas to have the resolve of Paul in setting aside sin. Her admonition to keep God’s Word hidden in his heart instilled in Thomas a sense of personal responsibility and accountability for his actions, which plays a key role in book four.
Grammie made sure Thomas knew the Bible well, so it became his guide as he grew up, leading him on the right path from childhood to adulthood.
Thomas blossoms from Innocence to Integrity
Thomas’s strong moral compass, rooted in divine principles, made him a symbol of honesty and goodness. His upbringing, filled with faith, shaped him. We see the impact of his family’s guidance as he grows, showing us the power of spiritual truth in shaping a person.
The Influence of family and faith played a key role in Thomas’s development.
What we impart to our children and grandchildren resonates far beyond the confines of their formative years—it shapes the very essence of their being and guides their trajectory on life’s unfolding journey.
Preorder your copy of Healing of the Heart. If you haven’t read the series, start with the FREE prequel. If you are a Kindle Unlimited reader, you can binge read the series before book four releases!
How have you influenced the life of another person? Please comment below. I’d love to hear your story.
Please note I am an Amazon affiliate. As always, purchasing with my links costs you nothing extra, and any proceeds go to my chocolate fund.