Parenting is one of the greatest—and riskiest—callings we have as believers. We pour out love, wisdom, and prayer, longing to see our children walk closely with Jesus in a world that’s growing more hostile to faith every day. But what happens when we’ve done “everything right” and our kids still choose to wander? Is there a formula for faithfully raising godly kids in a godless culture, or is the outcome ultimately out of our hands?

This isn’t just a theoretical question for me. It’s a prayer I’ve prayed through tears. In this raw, hope-filled episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World, we go where many Christian conversations dare not tread: What if your best is not enough to guarantee faith in the next generation? And what can you hold on to when the results grieve your heart?

That’s the question we wrestle with in this “Best Of” Episode 97—an especially tender conversation with a fellow parent and pastor walking this journey with me.

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🎙 Meet My Guest: D.J Harry

D.J Harry is a husband, father of four, pastor, speaker, and the co-host of the Better Together podcast (with his wife, Lori). With decades of experience discipling families and shepherding his own children toward faith, D.J. knows firsthand both the joys and heartbreaks that come with spiritual parenting.

He brings not only wisdom from Scripture—especially Daniel’s story—but deep compassion, a shepherd’s heart, and vulnerability to this topic that so many parents carry silently.

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🌟 Episode Takeaways: Lessons from Daniel and the Pain of Prodigals

📚 There’s No Formula—Only Faithfulness
As parents, we are called to disciple, model, and nurture faith. But as D.J Harry and I discuss, there isn’t a “five-step plan” that guarantees your child will choose Jesus. Not even Daniel’s faithful parents could make the decision for him—Daniel had to choose, just as every child must.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Transfer Is Not Transaction
Handing off faith to our kids isn’t about mechanical routines or just going to church. Instead, it’s about intentional, relational investment—living out a faith that’s real enough to spark genuine hunger for God in them. “There has to be a point where your God becomes their God,” D.J Harry shares.

💔 When the Results Break Our Hearts
I open up in this episode about my own journey with a child wrestling through doubt. Like many of you, I once believed that diligent parenting would guarantee specific outcomes. But faith isn’t inherited by osmosis or effort alone—the prodigal story in Scripture exists for a reason.

🙏 Faithfulness, Not Fault
We’re reminded that even God—the perfect parent—had rebellious children in the garden. If your child isn’t walking as you had hoped, “stop with the blame game.” Their choices are not your fault. Likewise, if your children are thriving, humility and gratitude are the only healthy response.

🧱 Lay the Foundation, Trust God with Growth
Our job is to plant seeds, water them with prayer, and lovingly tend the soil. But only God brings the growth. Even in seasons of doubt or wandering, the foundation you laid can provide the path for your child’s return.

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➡️ Listen Now + Call to Action

If you are walking the road of prodigal parenting or know someone who is, I invite you to listen to this two-part, “best of” episode. Let it remind you that you are not alone, not a failure, and that God is in the business of redeeming stories—even the messiest ones.

🔗 Click here to listen on Life Audio

Or find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.

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💬 A Quote to Carry with You

“Our job is not controlling the outcome. Our job is faithfulness.
God judges our obedience—not the results. … The foundation that we lay is the foundation that child can come back to.”
— Catherine

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🌈 Encouragement for Today: You Are Not Alone

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Parenting in a post-Christian world can feel overwhelmingly lonely—especially when outcomes aren’t matching your hopes or prayers. But hear me: You are not alone in your journey. God sees, weeps, and waits alongside you for the return of every prodigal. Take heart in knowing:

• Your faithfulness in pouring truth, love, and Scripture into your child is never wasted.
• You are not responsible for their choices, only for your obedience to God in parenting.
• The story isn’t over yet—keep praying, loving, and trusting the One who loves your child even more than you do.

🌾 Let’s lay down shame and lean into hope together. God wastes nothing—including our tears and trials. Let’s keep planting, keep praying, and keep trusting Him for the harvest—in His timing.