A Piece in Kiara's Story
When Linda said yes to serving as a Family Coach, she understood she was stepping into something bigger than herself.
Family Coaching is not about rescuing. It’s not about controlling outcomes. It’s not about seeing a perfectly tied-up ending. It’s about walking alongside a parent for a season and faithfully adding one piece to the work God is already doing in his or her life.
That perspective became especially clear during Linda’s time coaching a mom we’ll call Kiara.
Coaching Kiara
From the beginning, Linda kept the focus where it belonged: caring for Kiara’s baby, who we’ll call Aaliyah, but also caring for Kiara so she could be the best mom she can be. The heart of New Mercies is not simply temporary support. It is strengthening parents so families can move toward stability and community.
As Linda walked with Kiara, she was reminded that every parent we serve has a layered story. Past experiences, present struggles, and future hopes are all there, all at the same time. A Family Coach does not step in to rewrite that story. He or she steps in to provide encouragement and support.
When the hosting started, Linda helped Kiara set goals for regaining stability, like finding housing and a job, so that she could provide the best home possible for Aaliyah. But then it was up to Kiara. Throughout the hosting, Linda reflected on her role: She was just one piece of the puzzle.
And that’s where the calling of a Family Coach becomes both humbling and holy.
Linda could not force change. She could not guarantee outcomes. But she could show up. She could encourage. She could offer support. She could remind Kiara that God sees her life and cares deeply about her future.
Adding Pieces
“We added these 3 pieces, and maybe other pieces will come together later and help her get to a better place,” Linda shared.
That’s the posture of a Family Coach. You trust that the Holy Spirit is at work beyond what you can see. You accept that you may only be present for one chapter. You believe that obedience matters, even when the results are unfinished.
Family Coaching requires patience and perseverance. It requires releasing the ending to the Lord. But it also offers a beautiful invitation: to be used by God in someone else’s story.
You may not see the whole picture. You may not know when everything clicks into place. But you can faithfully place your piece into the puzzle and trust the Master Builder to complete it.
If you feel called to walk alongside a vulnerable mom, to support, encourage, and trust God with the outcome, consider becoming a Family Coach. You don't have to complete the puzzle. You simply have to be faithful with your piece.