Presidential elections are this fall. I believe with parenting we have a few things in common with politicians: making speeches, addressing problems, protecting reputations and giving hope. I have a little experience on the parent side of things, being the mom of three, now all adults—one of them has had many challenges.

Over the years, we’ve all heard a myriad of campaign speeches. Most of us are tired of them. Since the closing ceremonies of the Olympics, the presidential race has shifted into high gear. In preparation of November 8 there will be many more.

Politicians make hundreds of speeches in their careers. So do parents. But ours—we call them talks—tend to become more like lectures.

Noble Intentions

Our intentions are noble, but sometimes our efforts to communicate tend to deteriorate into threats and warnings, especially when we’re worried. If we think our child’s headed for trouble, those talks may sound more like boring sermons. I’m sure mine did, especially when I discovered my daughter was experimenting with drugs and alcohol at the same time that she struggled with depression, anxiety, and self-injury.

Unlike politicians, we aren’t necessarily gifted communicators. We also need to be better listeners. In both groups, some are better than others. But, like politicians, parents are often misunderstood and don’t always do a very good job of saying what we mean. How many times did I miscommunicate with my daughter? Too-many-to-count times. Oh dear, I didn’t mean that. What I was trying to say is . . . I did my best, but I’m embarrassed to admit I did rather poorly. If communication was a graded subject, my daughter would probably have given me an F, adding “You’re grounded!” or “Mom, you don’t understand me at all.”

She was right. I didn’t. Neither of us understood the other. Is that your situation?

Another similarity between parenting and politics is the need to address problems and concerns. Most government leaders probably chose their careers because they really did care. They wanted to make a difference. I’m sure many still do. Like them, parents address concerns we have on our hearts. Our love for our children is our motivation. We’d do anything for our children. We care more than they could ever imagine. We’re driven to make a difference in their lives. We long for them to accept assistance from us. “Won’t you please listen and take my advice?” we plead. Sadly, getting our sons and daughters to cooperate is rather difficult, especially when more serious problems are involved. They’re certain they know better than we do.

Then there’s the matter of reputation. Politicians take great pains to protect theirs so people will trust in their wisdom. Shhh. Keep those skeletons in the closet or they won’t believe they can do the job. Parents feel that way too. Not wanting others to think badly of us or them, we hide the truth. If you knew, you might look down on us. Therefore, we keep secrets and pretend all is well.

Lastly, as the parent of a troubled child, I need hope—something  politicians also attempt to give their constituents. “Can anyone please make some promises I can count on?” I need promises that are real, dependable and true.

Wait. Someone has done that.

God.

He’s the ultimate Promise-Keeper. Look in the pages of the Bible and you’ll find thousands of promises from Genesis to Revelation. God’s words are the most influential ever spoken or written. They can affect change. They hold the power of life and death. They can make all the difference in our lives and in our world.

10 Favorite Promises in the Bible

These are 10 of my favorite promises in the Bible. I turn to them on my toughest days:

1. God is with me. I am not alone.

“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age (Matthew 28:20b).”

2. God loves me and my child with an unfailing love.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

3. God will provide the help I need.

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever” (John 14:16).

4. Jesus prays for me and my child.

“Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them” (Hebrews 7:25).

5. God will give me endurance.

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall (Isaiah 40:29-30).”

6. When I pray, God will give me peace.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

7. My pain has a purpose.

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us . . .” (2 Corinthians 4:7).

8. God is near when my heart is crushed.

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).

9. God will make me strong.

“The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace” (Psalm 29:11).

10. God can do the impossible.

“I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27)

Parenting and Politics. Both are challenging. Both need supernatural help and divine intervention. May you find what you need as you face the unique challenges of your life.

What are some of your favorite promises?? Please share in comments.