_George Michael says we gotta have it. Billy Joel is just keepin' it. And though I respect most everyone's preference of divine worship, and am rock-solid in my own personal preference as a Christian, the faith I'm referring to now focuses on the conviction that you have in the person currently wearing your underwear (and I'm assuming that's you). I'm talking about the faith that you have in yourself and the influence you have on your kids to foster the faith that they have in themselves.

It's common to think of FAITH as simply a confidence in oneself. It's much more than that. It's an unwavering conviction and the way you choose to stoke that fire within your own kids will more than likely shape the way they will feel about themselves as they grow up. But there has to be consistency. I've known parents that are very spiritual and create a solid foundation of religious faith but neglect the actual motivating spirit that's within their kids. They will grown up loving God but how will they feel about themselves?

You've heard the quote, "if you don't stand up for something you'll fall for anything"? Help them know what's worth standing up but make sure they put themselves at the top of their list. If they don't have faith in themselves, then they simply cannot have faith in anything else.

You don't need a long diatribe on this one. Be strong. Be firm and be aware of what's going inside the hearts and minds of our children. We don't get a second chance at this. When they're grown up, it'll be up to them and we all know how hard it is to change what's inside. Talk to them. Ask questions and get them thinking for themselves. Give them the gift of FAITH and conviction and love and support...even when it difficult. Believe me, I know full well how tough it can be sometimes.