After I watched the movie, “This Ends With Us” I found myself asking the same question—what must end with me? Some families pass down wealth, thriving businesses, or a legendary sweet potato pie recipe. Others? We inherit generational trauma, bad tempers, and the fine art of pretending everything is fine when it’s clearly not.

For me, what ends with me is this: my child will know who Jesus is and understand the meaning of salvation through Christ.

Growing up, my parents/guardians weren’t intentional about taking me to church or introducing me to God. They did their best in many ways, but faith wasn’t a central focus in our home. As a result, I made some very creative life choices that, had I known Jesus, I might have avoided like the plague. Choices that left me crying, “Lord, if You get me out of this, I promise I’ll never do it again  (Spoiler: I did it again.)

But by God’s grace, that cycle ends with me. My child will grow up knowing the One who saves, redeems, and leads us into His perfect plan.

The Bible lays it out plainly in Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (NIV):

“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

Translation? Don’t just hope your kids stumble upon Jesus like a $20 bill in an old coat pocket. Teach them. Show them. Live it out. If we don’t, the world will gladly step in and fill the gap—with confusion, compromise, and TikTok influencers who think “living your truth” is a substitute for actual truth.

Now, let’s be honest—breaking a cycle is hard. It takes work, prayer, and sometimes resisting the urge to say, “Well, that’s just how I was raised.” No, no, no. That may be how it was, but that is not how it has to be. This ends with us.

Paul gives us a little pep talk in Romans 12:2 (NIV):

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

In other words, just because dysfunction has been the norm doesn’t mean it gets to be the future. If anger was louder than love, if brokenness felt more familiar than peace, if faith was an afterthought—then let it stop here. You have the power, through Christ, to rewrite the story.

One day, our kids will raise families of their own. Because we made a choice today, they won’t have to fight the same battles we did. That is the legacy worth leaving—not just a better life, but a faith-filled life.

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for making me a cycle-breaker. Give me the strength, patience, and occasional holy restraint to make better choices. Let my life reflect Your love, and may my children grow up knowing You—not just because I told them, but because they see You in me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.