Brenda Lambert is a graduate of Liberty University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. As a therapist for the Liberty Godparent Home and later the Director of Client Services at a Crisis Pregnancy Center in Davie, Florida, Brenda has developed a heart for discipling young ladies and ministering to them both one on one and in group settings. She continued to fulfill her passion for discipleship by homeschooling her three children. Because Brenda has a heart for worship, she has led worship for women’s groups in both small settings and large conferences. Brenda serves alongside her Husband Cliff, who is a Professor of Worship at Liberty University and the Worship Pastor at Liberty Baptist Church. Cliff and Brenda have been married for 35 years and are blessed with 3 children and 3 grandchildren who all love and serve the Lord. 
Do to others what you would have them do to you.
Matthew 7:12, NIV
The sun was streaming through the clouds as my daughter skipped through the door from first grade to make her big announcement. With a flip of her hair, she stated, “I’m one of the ‘popular’ girls!” She was elated…I was horrified! To this day, I’m not sure who decided the names that were on the popular list, but I’m pretty sure it was not one of the nice girls. Don’t misunderstand, I wanted my daughter to be liked and have good friends. However, I never wanted her to be one of the bullies that made the other girls feel bad. While observing her friends one afternoon, I noticed a small group socializing at the exclusion of others. These girls would look at the others and begin to laugh amongst themselves. As we drove home, I explained to her that we should extend kindness to all the girls and pay special attention to the ones that may feel left out.
I would quote Matthew 7:12 to her, and she would repeat her interpretation back. “DO TO OTHERS WHAT THEY DO TO YOU.” Although she tried her best, her little mind could not comprehend it. It was perplexing.
These “popular” girls were having a tremendous influence on my daughter and no matter how many ways I tried to explain the concept, she could not hear the truth. I honestly felt there was some spiritual warfare in her young life.
We laugh about this now that she’s an adult and teaches 3rd grade students, but it was curious at the time. She was not hearing what the verse was saying but instead was twisting the words to what she wanted them to say. I prayed diligently for her heart and mind to hear the Word of the Lord. After much prayer, we decided homeschooling was the right choice for our children. Although my daughter was in a very good Christian school, I realized the influence of her peers was tremendous. Since I was entrusted with the gift of a daughter, I had to take responsibility for training her according to my convictions. That was one of the most difficult yet rewarding decisions of my life. It changed the atmosphere of our home completely. As my daughter made new friends in our homeschool group, God was able to mold her heart into a compassionate young lady without the influences of her “popular” friends.
What about you? Do you remember a time when you shared Scripture with a family member or friend, but they didn’t hear what the verse was saying? It’s discouraging to realize they are not comprehending the meaning behind the words. But I know from personal experience God changes hearts. Begin praying that the Lord will reveal the truth of His Word. It may take months, or even years, but He is able to work in ways we cannot see. “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” (James 5:16b) Continue praying and see what the Lord will do.
