Parenting with Gentleness
The Teachable Woman Podcast
Parenting Series – “Parenting with Kindness”
Reverends Michele Owes & Diana P. Cherry
Introduction
In this heartfelt episode of The Teachable Woman Podcast, Reverends Michele Owes and Diana P. Cherry continue their powerful Parenting Series with a focus on Parenting with Kindness. This conversation blends real-life parenting experiences with biblical wisdom from Galatians 5 on the Fruit of the Spirit. With honesty and humility, the reverends share personal stories, insights, and practical encouragement to help parents reflect the love and gentleness of Christ in their homes.
Show Note 1 – The Power of Prayer: The 37/37 Challenge
The episode begins with a reminder about the 37/37 Prayer Challenge, a call for believers to pray the Lord’s Prayer from Matthew 6:9–13, which takes only 37 seconds. Rev. Owes and Rev. Cherry encourage listeners to make this a lifelong habit, inviting God’s will to be done in the earth—within us as His vessels. Prayer, they emphasize, is the believer’s invitation for divine intervention in our lives, our families, and our nation.
Show Note 2 – Parenting and the Fruit of the Spirit
As the Parenting Series continues, the hosts explore gentleness as a fruit of the Spirit and how it influences parenting. They remind listeners that parenting is a spiritual assignment—our children are God’s heritage, and we are called to raise them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. True spiritual fruit is seen not just in words, but in how we live and model Christ’s character at home.
Show Note 3 – The Gentle Parent: From Yelling to Yielding
Rev. Cherry vulnerably shares her own story of once being a “yeller,” realizing over time that her frustration did more harm than good. Both ministers reflect on how yelling often stems from inner stress rather than the child’s behavior. Gentleness, they teach, is a learned behavior that requires self-control and intentional kindness. Parents are reminded that when we speak with gentleness, our words become useful and life-giving rather than wounding.
Show Note 4 – Gentleness Means Usefulness
Digging into the Greek meaning of “gentleness,” Rev. Owes reveals that it means “usefulness”—a powerful insight. When correction or communication lacks gentleness, it loses its effectiveness. Gentle speech helps children receive wisdom instead of resisting it. The conversation challenges parents to consider whether their words are truly useful and excellent, reflecting the excellence of Christ even in correction.
Show Note 5 – Healing Through Apology
One of the most transformative parenting lessons shared in this episode is the power of apologizing. Rev. Cherry encourages parents to sit down with each child privately, look them in the eye, and apologize for moments of harshness or impatience. An apology restores connection and models humility. The reverends remind listeners that saying “I’m sorry” teaches children to forgive, to extend grace, and to break generational patterns of emotional harm.
Show Note 6 – Breaking Generational Cycles
The hosts discuss how our own upbringing can shape our parenting habits—especially if we were raised in environments where yelling or criticism was normal. Yet through the Holy Spirit’s power, cycles can be broken. God desires to do an inside job—transforming our hearts so that His fruit naturally flows out. As Rev. Owes notes, “God doesn’t yell at us. He speaks in a still, small voice.” That same calmness should guide how we communicate with our children.
Show Note 7 – A Home That Reflects Heaven
The episode closes with a reminder that good parenting is not about material things or achievements, but about how much of the Lord our children can see in us. The reverends urge parents to create homes filled with love, stability, peace, and kindness—environments where the fruit of the Spirit can flourish. Even when children are grown, the assignment to love, guide, and nurture them continues. Parenting with kindness is a lifelong ministry that reflects God’s heart to the world.
🌿 Summary
In Parenting with Kindness, Reverends Michele Owes and Diana P. Cherry share a tender and transparent conversation about how godly parenting flows from the fruit of the Spirit—especially gentleness. From the importance of prayer to the humility of apology, this episode offers practical, biblical wisdom for parents who want to reflect Christ in their homes. The message is clear: when we allow God to work in us, He works through us—transforming our parenting, our children, and our legacy.
