Imagine, A young eagle perched on the edge of its nest, wings hesitant but eager. It has been nurtured, protected, and fed, but now, instinct and nature call it forward. The mother eagle does something surprising—she nudges the eaglet toward the vast open sky. Not because she wants to see it fall, but because she knows it must fly.
This powerful image is at the heart of Dr. Arthur Ben Faust’s latest book, Get Out of Mama’s House: Moving from Enabling to Empowering. With wisdom rooted in biblical principles, practical guidance, and years of experience in pastoral care, Dr. Faust presents a compelling case for why young adults must step into independence and why parents must lovingly release them to do so.
In a world where young adults often linger in their comfort zones, unsure of how to navigate the complexities of adulthood, Get Out of Mama’s House serves as both a guide and a wake-up call. It isn’t just a book—it’s a movement toward reclaiming personal responsibility, fostering resilience, and redefining the role of parenting in a society that increasingly normalizes extended dependence.
Many parents find themselves trapped in a cycle of over-supporting their adult children. They provide financial assistance, solve problems for them, and cushion them from life’s disappointments—all out of love. But when does this love become a hindrance rather than a help?
Dr. Faust challenges readers with a thought-provoking truth: Love is not about making life easier—it’s about making life stronger. He explains that while parents may believe they are protecting their children by extending support indefinitely, they are actually preventing them from developing critical life skills.
Instead of building resilience, over-supporting a child can lead to:
- A delayed sense of responsibility
- Fear of taking risks and making independent decisions
- A lack of problem-solving abilities
- A dependence that continues into middle adulthood
Dr. Faust emphasizes that true empowerment begins when parents trust their children to stand on their own two feet. This means letting them make mistakes, allowing them to face consequences, and encouraging them to take ownership of their lives.
One of the most powerful aspects of Get Out of Mama’s House is its faith-based approach to independence. Drawing from Genesis 2:24, Dr. Faust highlights a fundamental principle:
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
While this passage is often referenced in the context of marriage, Dr. Faust argues that it also underscores the natural process of leaving, growing, and building one’s own foundation. God’s design is not for children to remain under their parents’ wings indefinitely but to step into their own calling and purpose.
Throughout the book, Dr. Faust reassures parents that independence is not about abandonment—it’s about trust. Trusting that the values instilled in a child are enough. Trusting that, with God’s guidance, they can forge their own path. Trusting that by stepping back, they are actually allowing their child to move forward.
He reminds readers that even Jesus left his earthly family to fulfill his divine mission. At the age of twelve, He was already teaching in the temple, demonstrating that maturity and responsibility are not defined by age but by purpose.
For young adults, this book offers a mirror—one that reflects hard truths about personal responsibility. Dr. Faust poses powerful questions to those who still rely on their parents for financial, emotional, or decision-making support:
- Am I embracing adulthood or avoiding it?
- Do I rely on my parents out of necessity or convenience?
- Am I prepared to handle life’s challenges on my own?
- Have I taken active steps to become financially independent?
The book does not merely point out problems—it provides solutions. Dr. Faust lays out clear, actionable steps for young adults to transition from dependence to self-sufficiency. These include:
- Financial Planning: Learning to budget, save, and avoid unnecessary debt
- Career Development: Gaining skills, securing employment, and advancing professionally
- Personal Growth: Developing emotional intelligence, resilience, and a strong work ethic
- Spiritual Independence: Strengthening faith and seeking guidance from God rather than relying solely on parents
By addressing these areas, Get Out of Mama’s House serves as both an encouragement and a challenge for young adults to take ownership of their futures.
Dr. Faust’s message extends beyond individual families—it speaks to a larger cultural shift that is needed in communities and churches. He calls for a renewed commitment to accountability, mentorship, and leadership. He encourages church leaders to teach biblical principles of independence and resilience, ensuring that young adults are equipped not just for spiritual growth but for practical, everyday challenges.
With warmth, wisdom, and faith, Dr. Faust turns what could be an intimidating transition into an empowering one. He reminds readers that just as an eagle must leave the nest to discover its strength, so too must young adults step boldly into the life that awaits them.
By the final page, readers aren’t just informed—they’re inspired to take flight.