Not sure if you knew, but I am raising cheetahs. Two of them to be exact. They are strong and elegant, and have the prettiest spots ever! The oldest is almost 18 and the little one is 13. Both are stunningly sleek and inherently clever. I must disclose however, that they weren’t always cheetahs. They were actually ladybugs for a very long time; until about 2 years ago. This symbolism was good for a time, throughout their younger years, but after they had lived a little more life and had gained some experiences of their own, it was imperative that they evolve to an animal with a more fitting representation of who they are today; cheetahs. Let me tell you a little bit more about that……

My cheetahs’ names are Sky and Rain. They started off fragile, small, and cute; typical of all ladybugs. As much as I wanted them to remain in that form forever, that was impossible as life has a way of constantly changing us to a better version of ourselves with every experience we have and every stage in life. Though unarguably sweet, for their own survival they had to gain other characteristics that would help them not only survive but thrive in this conflicting world we live.

Now, it wasn’t up to them to realize this change was taking place. But as their mother, primary caregiver, legal guardian, and spiritual covering over them, it was up to ME, to identify and inform this crucial turning point in their lives.

Why? Because children become that which is intentionally spoken over them and modeled before them.

Now this cheetah status didn’t come easy. It came with hurts and pain that children shouldn’t have to experience. It came with enduring the separation of 2 parents and leaving the only life they knew behind in a memory. It came with the struggle of having to process adult problems at a very young age. And it came with little hearts carrying heavy weight. All things I wish I could have spared them from, but ALSO, all things which have added to their beautiful spots.

As much as they are influenced by social media, friends, and the likes, I realize that even when they seem disinterested in me and what I’m doing, they don’t ever take their gaze off me. Because at the end of the day they believe they are who I say they are and they observe me closely to see if my walk matches my talk. For this reason, I have to be the best version of myself …..now more than ever. I have made it my goal to show them that they are strong by being strong myself. I have made it my goal to show them they can do ANYTHING they want to do, by doing all those things that a divorced mom is not supposed to be “able” to do. I have made it my goal to show them they don’t need to depend on anyone ever, by being independent in every area myself. And I have made it my goal to show them that our spots or scars don’t have to be a sign of weakness or defeat but rather a sign of strength, a symbol of all we have endured ; an opportunity to help bind others that may be broken.

My single most important goal is to show them that their victory is in Jesus’ name. And they are self-sufficient in Him alone; this is the true make-up of a cheetah. And my prayer everyday for them is that they would realize they are the perfect mix of regal and fierce. Built for speed, balanced, powerful, flexible. That they would have patience to stalk their prey (or goals)  and pounce with sure victory when its within reach. And most importantly… intolerant and ruthless when it comes to the enemy and his dealings, cutting off his air and not giving him a surviving chance in their lives…EVER!  

What are you raising? Ladybugs? Cheetahs? Something else?

If you are a parent, whether you recognize it or not, you are shaping the lives of your children every day through conversations, actions, prayer; intentional or not.

The picture you see above was taken over 2 years ago, the day I told Sky & Rain they were now cheetahs and of course telling them was not enough so I decided to take a corny picture for funsies …..because Yes, I am  a little extra!

Cheers to Raising Cheetahs!

⁸ And God is able to make all grace [every favor and earthly blessing] come in abundance to you, so that you may always [under all circumstances, regardless of the need] have complete sufficiency in everything [being completely self-sufficient in Him], and have an abundance for every good work and act of charity

2 Cornthians 9:8 Amplified