Itz Holistically Wholesome

“But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14).

Raising children in today’s world is not easy. Raising Christian children, children who will choose Christ for themselves and continue walking with Him when they are old enough to make their own decisions is even harder. Many young people leave home, go off to college, and slowly drift away from God. Some even turn away completely.

Research consistently shows that 60–70% of young adults who grew up in church step away from their faith or stop attending for at least a year once they enter college. Many treat it like a temporary “faith pause,” but studies also reveal that a significant number never return at all.

This reality weighs heavily on parents who are trying to raise children who will choose Jesus for themselves and follow Him all the way.

As a mother watching my own daughter approach adulthood, I was deeply aware of this reality.

I often asked myself:
Was I making God real to her?
Was I living a life that reflected Christ?
Was I creating an environment where she felt invited to walk with Jesus, not forced?

When my daughter was born, I didn’t know God, I knew of Him. But as she grew, I came to know Him, and I wanted my life to show her who Jesus truly is. I wanted to be a mother who guided, not pushed; who modeled Christ, not merely talked about Him. I remembered my own teenage years, my own struggles, and I knew she needed both freedom and foundation.

So when she went off to college, my heart was full. I knew she would finish her degree, she’s brilliant and determined but my deeper prayer was that she would not forget Jesus. I told the Lord:

“Father, it would bring me joy for my daughter to succeed academically, but it would be a far greater accomplishment if she never forgets You and always finds her way home to You.”

I shared this with her too, because we have a beautiful relationship. I told her that every achievement is more meaningful when Christ is part of it, and that I value her relationship with Jesus far more than any degree.

I am not a perfect mother, neither is she a perfect daughter but Jesus is a perfect Savior. And He stood in the gap.

On the early morning of a very cold Spring day, May 15th, my beloved girl graduated with her bachelor’s degree.

I am incredibly proud of her. But even more than that, I am grateful that she has not turned her back on Jesus. She is still walking with Him, still choosing Him, still anchored in faith.

My prayer is that the Lord will continue to draw her close, and that she will choose to serve Him in every season of her life.

This is not my doing.
This is not my strength.
This is not my wisdom.

It is God, and I am eternally grateful.

Closing Blessing

For every parent raising their children in the fear of the Lord, may your sons and daughters continue to choose Jesus and walk with Him all the way. For every parent whose children have lost their connection with Christ, may their return be sooner rather than later. And for every young person out in the world searching for meaning, know this, Jesus still loves you, and He is calling you to follow Him.

May God strengthen every family, anchor every child, and draw every heart closer to Him.

Be well, and be blessed.

With love and purpose,
Tomika Chance
Itz Holistically Wholesome