In my family, we children left for school each morning with the understanding that we had our family’s good reputation to bear and the expectation that we would return with “mission accomplished.”

If we failed, however, the report of our conduct somehow reached home before we did. Our parents seemed to know whether we had succumbed to peer pressures and behaved in ways to bring shame to their name.

So, neither the taunts of schoolmates nor their threats to withdraw friendship could compete with the disappointment we would cause our parents if we faltered. We had to remain strong in the face of ridicule and temptation.

Like little soldiers reporting for duty, we lined up in the morning; as weary but victorious warriors, we returned in the afternoon. Then the eldest sibling relayed the school day’s challenges. Sometimes we met with commendation, sometimes correction. Both buoyed us up for the next day’s encounters.

As an adult, I bow in prayer awaiting God’s guidance and asking for His strength. I strive to not defame my Father’s name. Then, wearily, I pour out my heart to Him, reporting battles fought and won as well as lost ground that needs to be recovered, knowing that my very striving is counted as a victory. Thank God, He answers my prayers, giving me strength and courage to live a life for Him.