Raising Resilient Hearts, Rooted in Faith

Amber Colbert and her girls Naomi and Gabby

Amber Colbert, a native of Dallas, Texas, has dedicated her life to faith, family, and service. With a deep love for dance from a young age, she actively participated in various activities, including cheer, volleyball, and singing in the church choir. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Texas Woman’s University in 2003, she worked as an RN for a decade at Baylor Scott & White. Her passion for ministry led her to serve as an assistant director in Covenant Church’s dance ministry, where she traveled on mission trips across Europe, Africa, and the Dominican Republic. She later earned her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Cincinnati in 2013 and has since worked as a Family Nurse Practitioner in emergency medicine and oncology.

The Colbert Family

Amber and her husband, Gregory, have been married for 15 years and are blessed with five children. In obedience to God’s calling, she began homeschooling her children, a journey that has now spanned eight years. Passionate about teamwork and youth development, she has coached youth volleyball and served as the Youth Cheer Director for McKinney Sports Connection. A dedicated member of ONE Community Church since 2013, Amber and her husband serve in the marriage ministry, encouraging and supporting other couples in their faith and relationships. She continues to trust God’s plan, embracing the challenges and blessings that come with each new season. 

1. What inspired you to focus on resilience and integrity in raising your children?

Resilience and integrity are deeply rooted in the values I was raised with. My mother and grandmother were incredibly influential in my life, both embodying strength in the face of adversity. Watching them persevere through challenges left a lasting impression on me.

One of my most cherished childhood memories is spending summers in Tyler, Texas, with my grandmother. She instilled in me the discipline of memorizing scripture—something that remains second nature to me today. Now, I pass that practice on to my children. During our Bible time, we memorize scriptures together, incorporating movements and actions to help them retain the words. It’s a joyful and meaningful way to instill God’s truth in their hearts.

My husband also shares stories of the wisdom his grandmother passed down to him, particularly about faith and God’s presence in our lives. We are both deeply grateful for the spiritual foundation our families have given us, and we are committed to passing that same legacy on to our children.

Amber and her boys Gregory and Christian

2. Has your child faced a situation where they had to stand up for their values? How did they handle it?

Yes, my oldest son recently faced a situation that tested his values. He overheard another boy speaking negatively about his friend, who is autistic. Without hesitation, he stepped in and told the boy to stop talking about his friend that way.

We were incredibly proud of him for standing up against bullying and defending someone who might not have been able to speak up for themselves. We took the opportunity to affirm that standing for what is right—especially in defense of others—is an important part of integrity and kindness. Moments like these remind us that the lessons we teach at home truly take root in their hearts.

3. What role does your family dynamic or cultural background play in fostering these traits?

Our family is built on a foundation of faith, service, and honoring God in all we do. We see our role as parents as a sacred calling to raise “kingdom warriors” who will stand strong in their values.

To reinforce these principles, my husband created the Colbert Core Values—seven key traits that guide our family. We had them custom-designed on a plaque that hangs in the entryway of our home as a daily reminder. These values are:

  1. Leadership – Leading with integrity and purpose.

  2. Respect – Treating others with kindness and honor.

  3. Compassion – Showing love and understanding to all.

  4. Authenticity – Being true to who God created us to be.

  5. Accountability – Taking responsibility for our actions.

  6. Teachability – Remaining open to learning and growth.

  7. Humility – Serving others with a heart of grace.

By weaving these values into our everyday lives, we create an environment where our children learn not just through words, but through action.

4. How do you balance discipline and encouragement to help your children learn from failures?

My husband and I both play an active role in guiding our children through discipline and encouragement. I tend to focus more on encouragement, helping them see failures as opportunities for growth. I often share personal stories of times when I’ve failed and how those experiences shaped me. I want them to understand that setbacks are not the end but rather stepping stones toward success. We also emphasize how God can use every situation—good or bad—for His greater purpose.

Discipline is equally important, and my husband is especially strong in this area. We make it clear to our children that every choice carries a consequence—whether positive or negative. For example, if they study hard for a test, the natural consequence is success. On the other hand, if they disobey a rule, they must face the appropriate consequence, such as losing screen time. Our goal is to teach them that accountability is a part of life, and that discipline, when paired with love and guidance, leads to growth.

5. What advice would you give to other moms who are trying to instill these values in their children?

Parenting is a humbling journey—one that constantly reminds us of God’s grace and mercy. My biggest piece of advice to moms is to lean into Him. It’s easy to fall into the trap of self-sufficiency, but I’ve learned that I cannot do this alone. The more we depend on God, the more He equips us for the challenges of motherhood.

I also encourage moms to prioritize self-care. It’s not selfish—it’s essential. When we take care of ourselves, we are better equipped to pour into our children. Over the years, I’ve found that small acts of self-care make a big difference, whether it’s working out at the gym, enjoying a bubble bath, meeting friends for lunch, or even taking an annual girls’ trip.

To all the moms out there: You are doing an incredible job. Keep sowing the seeds of faith, integrity, and resilience in your children, and trust that God will water them. One day, you will see the beautiful fruit of your labor. Keep going—you’ve got this!

Raven Nicole Barnes

Raven Nicole Barnes is the Founder and CEO behind Flaming Lights Blog For Mom, an online publication that celebrates the power of good character in children and the incredible moms who nurture and inspire these values. Through captivating images, heartfelt stories, and thought-provoking features, the magazine shines a spotlight on the everyday acts of kindness, resilience, and leadership displayed by children, while honoring the role of mothers in shaping the future.

https://www.flaminglights.com
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