I posed this question to a panel of theologians at a Christian seminar: “How would you counsel Christian grandparents to leave a faith legacy for their grandchildren when the parents don’t demonstrate a strong faith of their own?” A large, collective groan from the attendees confirmed that I am far from alone in having this thought. 

The panel members – all of whom were parents or grandparents themselves – gave tenderhearted answers that confirmed what I recognized. One pastor reminded listeners that Superpower Grandparents were present among the audience members. The panelists also added their personal advice.

#1. Pray for our grandchildren and our adult children. (Note: It’s never too late to pray for your adult children.) There is never a time when prayer is not needed. There is never a time when we know better than God what our families need. There is nothing we are experiencing that God cannot change or use for good. It is a reminded to lay our burdens before God then step aside and get out of His way. 

#2. Recognize our ability to influence. As the Farmers’ Insurance commercial tagline says: “We know a thing or two, because we’ve seen a thing or two.” Grandparents have already experienced what our adult children are now going through. It’s not our place to swoop down to the rescue wearing flowing capes. Grandparents are second only to their parents as powerful influencers in our grandchildren’s lives. We are to care enough about our family members to prioritize their eternal salvation in our prayers and actions.

#3. Choose our words carefully. You have probably heard the saying that children live up to the expectations people assign to them. As grandparents, let’s remember to speak positive words into the lives of our grandchildren. When children grow up hearing things like, “You’re never going to amount to anything,” or “Why would anyone want to be your friend?” they believe it. When they hear us say things like, “God has a wonderful plan and a purpose for your life,” or “I thank God for allowing me to be your grandma (or grandpa),” our grandchildren internalize those positive affirmations. Let’s remember to be intentional in the way we speak and interact with them. 

At the end of the session, one of the panelists urged grandparents to write a personal blessing to each of their grandchildren, intended for the grandchildren to read throughout their lives. It doesn’t matter if your words are profound. It does matter that they come from the heart. 

Here’s an example of how to start writing a blessing for each of your grandchildren. Write it on a sheet of paper so you can make corrections or changes before copying it onto a final page to present to that grandchild.

Dear (Name of Grandchild), 

“Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
Ephesians 6:10-11

With Christ, you have the power to stand up against evil. 

I have learned to rely on God when…

You are a blessing to me because…

May the Lord guide you as you… 

Choose a specific verse for each grandchild and write as if you are speaking directly to them. This is one way you can use your Grandparent Superpowers.