We Filipinos are generally known as "faithful" or "religious" people. With a population made up of Christians, Muslims and people of other faiths, I guess it's safe to say that a great number of us believe in God (or Allah, or whatever name we use to refer to Him).
Believing, however, is a lot different from actually living out one's faith. It's one thing to say, "I believe that God exists," and another thing to actually do what He wants you to do on a daily basis.
As Catholic/Christian parents, my husband and I do our best to teach our children to know, love and serve God. We try to explain to our kids why following God's commandments is beneficial for us, and is our response to God’s unconditional, amazing love for us.
Of course, we stumble along the way. We are not perfect nor are we "holy"; in fact, we fail to live out our faith in many ways, almost every day.
Nonetheless, we strive to strengthen our family's faith in simple ways. Here are some things we do, which you may want to try with your own families:
1. Have a daily family prayer time.
Whether you're a Christian or a Muslim, or of a different faith altogether, you'll probably agree with me when I say that praying together as a family is important.
Actions speak louder than words, they say, and based on my experience, this is completely true. Children will be more inclined to pray if they see Papa and Mama praying, too.
Set a specific time when you can pray together every day, even if it's just for 10 minutes. Be sure to make your prayers heartfelt and solemn, so that your kids will learn to do the same. Encourage them to pray out loud, and say spontaneous prayers, too.
2. Read the Bible together.
If you're a Catholic/Christian parent, you'd know the importance of "hiding" God's Word in your heart, as well as in your child’s heart. Reading the Bible together and having discussions about your readings every day will help foster a love for God and the Sacred Scriptures.
If this task seems daunting to you, don't fret. Start small, like reading a short passage a day from an "adult" Bible or choosing a story from a children's Bible storybook.
Photo courtesy of David Castillo Dominici | FreeDigitalPhotos.net
You can also opt to read aloud the Gospel reading for that particular day, from the Daily Mass Readings. (You can find these in daily devotionals like Companion or online at www.kerygmafamily.com.)
After reading your selected Bible passage, try to have a simple discussion with your kids about it. Say a short prayer afterwards, asking God to help you live out the message of what you have read.
If your family is of a different faith, you can use sacred or holy books associated with your religion. What's important is that you read them together with (or out loud to) your kids.
3. Include God in ordinary conversations.
My husband and I want our children to know that God is a part of our daily lives; He is not Someone who we just "visit" or "see" at Mass every Sunday, nor is He Someone who we remember only when we need something.
Photo courtesy of David Castillo Dominici | FreeDigitalPhotos.net
This is why we try to include God in our daily conversations with our kids, whether it's at the dining table, or when we're watching a movie together, or even when we’re waiting for a taxi. We talk about Him and refer to Him as our Father, Savior, Healer, Friend, Protector, Brother, and Provider, among others.
Hearing my kids mention God, Jesus or Mama Mary even during their pretend play sessions always makes me smile and whisper a prayer of thanksgiving. "Despite all my failures as a mom, I must be doing something right," I think to myself.
4. Be intentional when it comes to religious "practices."
Make going to Mass or other religious "obligations" more than a duty or "something-I-do-because-Papa-and-Mama-say-I-need-to-do-it" more meaningful by explaining to your kids the true purpose behind it all.
You can do this by talking about the places you visit, the objects you see, and the things you do or say.
For example, when you’re inside a church, point out the different objects that you usually see there, and tell your child what their purpose is.
Photo courtesy of artur84 | FreeDigitalPhotos.net
It may also help to read books or watch age-appropriate videos that can give you deeper insights into why you believe what you believe, plus why you do what you do in relation to your beliefs.
5. Attend faith-building events.
"Man is not an island," so the saying goes, and it is truly difficult to grow in faith if you feel that you are all alone on your spiritual journey.
This is why participating in activities that can help strengthen your faith and build community is important.
Photo from the Kerygma Conference official Facebook page
For Catholics/Christians like us, faith-building events include Holy Mass, prayer meetings, Bible study group meetings, group adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and inspirational gatherings like the Kerygma Conference, an annual event started by Catholic lay preacher and author Bo Sanchez.
All of these aim to help us grow as Catholics/Christians, and to build “His Kingdom” here on earth.
You are invited!
Speaking of the Kerygma Conference, I’d like to end this article by inviting you all to attend the conference on November 21-23, 2014. It promises to be the biggest inspirational event of the year, and I’m sure you’ll be blessed by attending it!
For more information about the Conference, just click here. I hope to see you there!