Hope & A Future
Jeremiah 29:11 says “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
The Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) recently released a new report called the "2025 Hope and A Future" report. This report (authored by Brad Wilcox, Professor of Sociology and Director of the National Marriage Project at the University of Virginia) examines the current state of the American dream, particularly in Ohio. It’s an interesting read and one we wanted to share with you all (link below). The report reveals the negative effects the collapse of the family unit and a decline in marriage have had in Ohio and across America. There’s also an interesting “Family Structure Index” which gives a ranking to all 50 states according to the health of their family culture.
A summary of Wilcox’s report is that he highlights a decline in belief in the American dream, with only one in three U.S. adults feeling it still holds true, (a decrease from half in 2012). This decline is attributed not only to economic factors but also to the deteriorating state of the American family.
In Ohio, the report notes significant challenges: the state ranks third in deaths of despair (suicide, drug overdoses, alcohol poisoning), 15th in child poverty with 17% of children living below the poverty line, and falls in the bottom quintile for hope. Additionally, Ohio stands 29th on the Family Structure Index, which assesses marriage rates, family stability, and fertility.
The report emphasizes the strong correlation between family stability and positive outcomes in education, poverty reduction, child well-being, public safety, and economic mobility. It also raises concerns about declining fertility rates and their potential impact on Ohio's demographic future.
To address these issues, the report suggests a series of public policies and civic measures aimed at strengthening marriage and family life across Ohio. These recommendations are directed towards the legislature, businesses, churches, and families, with the goal of ensuring that every Ohioan has the opportunity to achieve a "better, richer, and happier life" as envisioned in the American dream.
This is another interesting data set which reinforces something we already know…the family unit is very important! While it’s not a surprise to see data supporting the fact that a life aligned with God’s word is good (and leads to more desirable outcomes!), it’s a stark reminder of the consequences of a life that isn’t. Our mission here is to support that key role our families have, so we want to leave you with some practical steps to keep leading intentionally in your home!
1. Family Devotions: Set aside time each day to read Scripture together, discuss its meaning, and pray as a family. This could be a morning ritual, during dinner, or before bedtime. Our staff have added monthly devotional plans your family can use in the Calvary app if you aren’t sure where to start. You’ll be able to find annual plans and monthly devotional plans that we recommend.
2. Model Prayer: Pray regularly with your children! Not just in times of need, but in moments of gratitude and joy. Let them hear you pray for them, their futures, and God’s guidance in their lives.
3. Intentional Conversations: Use everyday moments to point back to God’s truth. Whether it’s discussing a challenge at school or talking about current events, lead the conversation towards a biblical perspective.
4. Church Involvement: Regular church attendance as a family is crucial. Show your children the importance of being part of a community of believers and serve together in your church. From time to time, we’ll hear frustrations about church, which may include serving with challenging people, disagreements over a church policy, or differences in preferred style of worship. The main point here is that the church has been established by God as His way for us to be connected and further our walk with Him. It’s simply our job to be obedient to scripture!
5. Personal Growth: The most powerful way to disciple your children is to live out your own faith authentically. Children will see this!
View the CCV “Hope & A Future” report here → Family Structure Index | CCV