Written by Christian Speaker Network Member, Sabrina Stratford
Practical, Faith-Based Tools for Protecting Children, Teaching Discernment, and Leading with Love in Today’s Digital World
If you’ve ever felt the fire rise in your chest when your child’s innocence is threatened, you might be a Mama Bear. And these days? The world needs Mama Bears more than ever. From TikTok trends to digital predators, moral confusion to cultural chaos, we’re not just raising kids—we’re raising warriors. But thank God, we’re not doing it alone.
Scripture calls us to “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6) It’s a promise—and a charge. God doesn’t tell us to sit back and hope the world figures it out. He tells us to train. That means intentionality, vigilance, and a whole lot of prayer.
Suiting Up for the Battle
Let’s be real: parenting today feels like going into battle. That’s why Ephesians 6:10–18 is our blueprint. “Put on the full armor of God,” Paul writes, “so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Mama, this isn’t just about spiritual self-defense. This is preparation for guiding our children through enemy territory with wisdom and strength.
Practical tip: Start your mornings with your kids in the Word. Even a short devotion or reading one verse together at breakfast can anchor their day in truth. Help them memorize verses like a sword—because they will need it.
Teaching Discernment in a Digital World
It’s not enough to say, “That’s bad.” We have to teach our kids why. Media literacy, critical thinking, and discernment must be part of everyday conversations. Ask questions like, “What do you think this message is trying to teach you?” or “Does this align with God’s Word?”
Faith-based tool: Use Philippians 4:8 as a filter. “Whatever is true, noble, right, pure… think on these things.” When your child is watching a show, choosing music, or scrolling social media, teach them to ask: Does this fit the Philippians 4:8 test?
Leading with Love, Not Fear
Yes, the world is scary. But fear is not our motivator—love is. God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). We model Christ not by panicking, but by standing firm, speaking truth in love, and reminding our children that their identity is secure in Him.
Practical reminder: Speak blessings over your kids. Tell them who they are in Christ—chosen, beloved, brave, kind, and called. Let your home be the loudest voice they hear, not the internet.
Being a Mama Bear means we protect—but not with claws alone. We protect with prayer. We guide with grace. We lead with love, rooted in truth. The world may have lost its way, but we know who leads ours. Suit up, Mama Bear. There’s a generation depending on you.
“Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.” (Ephesians 6:10) You’ve got this—and more importantly, God’s got you.
SabrinaStratford.com