Three Lessons That Will Shape Your Child for Life
Life is full of lessons, isn’t it?
Some are beautiful and affirming, while others come at us like a sucker punch to the gut. If you’ve parented for more than five minutes, you’ve already bumped into both. But the older I get, the more I realize that some life lessons rise above the rest—lessons that, if we can pass them onto our kids, will shape their faith and their future forever.
So… I decided to get personal in this week’s archive gem of Christian Parent/Crazy World. I took a little stroll down memory lane, right back to my days in the theater—yes, including a slightly questionable (yet hilarious) stint pretending to be a British exchange student at my Christian college (pre-Google was a wild time, y’all). Through the lens of my improv acting adventures, I unpack the three biggest, most transformative lessons life has taught me—lessons every parent needs to intentionally pass on.
And let me tell you, nothing will test (or teach) you quite like getting on a stage with no script, except maybe this crazy thing called parenting. Both require an ability to roll with the punches, accept unexpected curveballs, and—my favorite—trust God to turn even our biggest mistakes into masterpieces.
🎙 No Guest—Just My Story, My Stage, and God’s Powerful Lessons
This week, I’m opening up about my own journey—from theater major to regional performer, from homeschool mom to podcast host and improv teacher. I’m bringing you behind the scenes with stories from my improv days, some hilarious, and some breathtakingly raw.
Slap Happy (my comedy improv troupe circa 2002)
Improv is a male dominated theatrical sport, btw.
Why improv? Because nothing has taught me more about living by faith in the unexpected than comedy without a script. Life, much like improv, is best navigated when we lean on biblical truth, learn to pivot, and let God turn our “mistakes” into masterpieces.
⭐️ Key Takeaways from the Episode:
This week I share with you 3 powerful life lessons that I learned while on stage without a script. They are:
1️⃣ You Can’t Choose What Happens—But You Can Choose Your Response
Life won’t go as planned. Sometimes, in an improvisational scene, you may set out to be the President of the United States, but someone calls you “Spot” and suddenly, you’re playing the dog! Our power lies not in scripting our circumstances, but in choosing a Christlike response—even when the rug gets pulled from under us.
2️⃣ Accept and Build: Turn Every “Doghouse” Moment Into a New Beginning
Improv taught me: receive what life hands you and build on it. This isn’t resignation—it’s the heart of biblical perseverance. Whether it’s a dashed dream, a pink slip, or a diagnosis, ask, “How can God use this?” With Him, even the worst curveball can become the foundation for something meaningful and beautiful.
3️⃣ Let God Turn Mistakes Into Masterpieces
Some of the best moments—on stage and in life—come from colossal blunders. But in God’s hands, our failures, losses, and epic falls become the launch pads for His greatest works. From a botched improv scene to the pain of my own miscarriage, I’ve watched God turn pain into purpose, brokenness into blessing.
🎧 Listen to This Episode & Be Equipped for the Unexpected
Would your kids know what to do when the script of their dreams suddenly changes? Do they see you respond to difficulty with hope and faith? Don’t miss this personal, laughter-filled, and deeply encouraging episode—stream it here:
Or find CP/CW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Btw, I listened to this one in the car with my kiddos.
💬 A Quote to Reflect On:
❤️ An Encouragement for Your Parenting Journey:
Remember, God specifically chose you for your kids. He knows you—quirks, failures, and all—are perfectly equipped, with Him, to unlock who He designed your children to be. You don’t have to get it all right. Allow God into your family’s messiest moments, and trust Him to make beauty out of brokenness.
📝 Reflection for the Week:
- Where has life handed you (or your kids) an “unscripted role” lately?
- How can you model acceptance, faith, and holy improvisation for your family?
- Is there a “mistake” you need to invite God to transform into a masterpiece?
Let’s embrace the journey—curveballs, doghouses, pink slips, and all—knowing that with God, no moment is wasted.
