Our culture is in crisis. Everywhere you look, young people are being told that identity is something you can choose or redefine. Gender is confused, purpose is blurred, and truth is treated as optional. The result? A generation overwhelmed by anxiety, loneliness, and hopelessness. A 2023 study found that 47% of Gen Z students (ages 12–26) often or always feel anxious and 22% often or always feel depressed.
The evidence is clear: today’s young generation is deeply impacted by mental health challenges. Anxiety, loneliness, and hopelessness aren’t just buzzwords, they reflect a profound and widespread crisis that demands both deep care and Biblical grounding. Helping our children discover their identity in Christ is not just essential, it is urgently needed.
The Father has not left us without an answer. Identity is not something we create. It is something we receive from Him. Scripture declares that we have the mind of Christ and that, “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
As parents and grandparents, we carry a kingdom assignment: to bless our children and grandchildren with God’s truth at the key moments of life. These blessings anchor their hearts and answer the deep identity questions every human being carries.
The 7 Critical Times of Blessing and the Questions They Answer
Craig Hill of Family Foundations International identifies seven times when blessing is essential. At each stage, a key identity question must be answered:
At Conception – Am I welcome in this world?
Blessing communicates: Yes, you are wanted. You are welcome here.
In the Womb – Is there a safe place for me in this world?
Blessing communicates: You are safe, protected, and treasured.
At Birth – Will my needs be met in the world?
Blessing communicates: We will care for you, and God will provide for you.
Early Childhood – Who can I trust in the world?
Blessing communicates: You can trust us, and you can trust God.
Puberty – Do I have what it takes to be a man or a young woman?
Blessing communicates: Yes, God has designed you with dignity, strength, and purpose.
Adulthood/Marriage – What am I called to do in the world?
Blessing communicates: You are equipped and commissioned to fulfill God’s calling on your life.
Old Age – Am I still needed in this world?
Blessing communicates: Yes, your life matters, your wisdom is valuable, and your legacy continues.
When these blessings are spoken, they build a foundation of security, identity, and destiny. When they are absent, confusion takes root, but it is never too late to bring blessing and healing.
A Family Devotional on Identity in Christ
Activity – Share Stories
Look through old photos or share family stories. Ask each child: “Who are you?” Allow them to answer honestly. Then point to the deeper truth: our identity is not based on appearance, accomplishments, or other people’s opinions, but on who God says we are.
Truth – Sons and Daughters of the King
Read together: “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1).
Discuss: What does it mean to be a child of the King? What does that say about our worth and purpose?
Application – Speak Identity Blessings
Make it a habit to speak daily blessings over your children. For example:
“You are God’s beloved child.”
“You are safe and secure in His love.”
“You have what it takes to be a strong man/woman of God.”
“God has a special purpose for your life.”
More Creative Ideas for Family Devotions on Identity
Name Blessing – Share the meaning of your child’s name and connect it to God’s calling on their life.
Crown of Identity – Make paper crowns and write “Child of the King” on each. Wear them at the dinner table and talk about belonging to God’s royal family.
Identity Mirror – Stand in front of a mirror together. Speak biblical affirmations: “I am fearfully and wonderfully made… I am a new creation… I am chosen… I am His.”
Scripture Hunt – Hide verses about identity (Psalm 139:14, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 2:10) around the house. Let kids find and read them aloud.
Blessing at Bedtime – Close each day by laying a hand on your child, looking them in the eyes and declaring truth over them. This simple act builds security and trust.
Final Word
Every generation asks the same questions: Am I welcome? Am I safe? Will my needs be met? Can I trust? Do I have what it takes? What is my purpose? Am I still needed? Our role, as parents and grandparents, is to answer those questions with affirmation and validation, anchoring our children in the truth of who they are in Christ.
They don’t need to invent an identity. They need to discover the one God has already given them: You are God’s child. You are deeply loved. You are chosen. You are called. And your life matters for eternity.
If you have never experienced this kind of blessing in your life, we would encourage you to attend a Family Foundations – Blessing Generations Seminar. You can check out our website https://www.familyfoundations.ca/ffi-canada-events to see if there is a seminar in your region or online that you can attend.
Another amazing opportunity to both receive a father’s blessing and to impart a blessing to your son is at a Mighty Man Camp. We intentionally set aside time for a Blind Trust Walk, as fathers guide their sons, we stop along the way to talk about the things that shape a man’s life:
A man and his word – keeping your promises and walking in integrity.
A man and his work – what am I called to do in this world?
A man and his walk with God – living surrendered to Christ and filled with the Spirit.
A man and how he should treat a woman – honour, respect, and love.
The walk wraps up with a powerful time of blessing, where fathers speak life, identity, and destiny into their sons. It’s an experience they’ll never forget.
This fall, we challenge you to join us in La Crete, AB (October 17-18) for this year’s Mighty Man Camp: Seeking His Kingdom. Together, we will be equipped, sharpened, and sent out to take our place as spiritual leaders.
Your true identity is not found in what the world says about you, but in who you are in Christ—a chosen, forgiven, and beloved child of God (1 Peter 2:9). Walk boldly in that identity today and let your life reflect the glory of the One who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
"Every day we hear more stories of families under attack and young people struggling with their identity and purpose in life. Annette and I are excited to share with you this new teaching on “Building Strong Families” and the bonus teaching on “The Power of a Teacher’s Blessing”. These resources are designed to help you disciple the families in your church and/or Christian School. Download the manuals and other free resources to help you plan a Family Blessing Day in your school or church.
Our dream is to see every family strengthened and equipped to succeed in an ever-changing world. We want to see every person find their true identity and destiny through the blessing and support of a loving father, mother, grandparents and community. Our focus is to reach Millennials and their children with life-changing experiences that empowers them to fulfil their destinies. If there is any way that we can serve you please contact us."
Neil and Annette Campbell
FFC National Coordinators
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