We should not be asking what kind of world did we bring our children into. Instead we should be asking what kind of children are we bringing into the world? Are we raising our children so that they will be the ones rushing to the side of victims? Are we raising children who will advocate for peace? Are we letting our children know that they can make a difference in our world?
No matter what era children are born in there will always be a "threat" of some sort. History has taught us that. There will never be a "perfect" time to raise children. Instead we must focus on raising children who look for the perfection in our world. We must raise children who can shine a light into the darkness. Children that will make the world a better place. Children who hope and dream for a better time.
Our children are our future. We should be teaching them to be fearless seekers of truth and peace. We should be teaching them to be brave and courageous warriors who aid the helpless and broken. Whether those people are helpless and broken because of a tragedy or homelessness or disabilities. We need not differentiate, only to help.
This is my call to action, parents! Bring more light into the world! Instill in your children the skills necessary to bring light into this dark world. Don't be discouraged about the world you have to raise your children in. Be overjoyed that you have made more light!
I'll leave you with this wonderful quote by Peter H. Reynolds and some wonderful Bible verses that give us hope!
"I've said these things to you so that you will have peace in me. In the world you have distress. But be encouraged! I have conquered the world." - John 16:33 CEB
"Notice the innocent person, and look at the decent person, because the peacemaker has a future." -Pslam 37:37GW
P.S. If you click on the quote you can view a version to share and print! :)
Well said! I am glad my children are children of light. I love you! God loves you!
ReplyDeleteIs that you, Mom? I love you too!
DeleteI've never been more proud to call you sister :]
ReplyDeleteAww! Don't make me cry! I love you, sis!
DeleteAMEN and AMEN and AMEN!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more!
Thank you, Stacy! I know you've made lots of light to shine in this world! ;)
DeleteLovely! Thanks for sharing! ~mari
ReplyDeleteThank you! I really enjoyed your piece, as well. Very inspiring!
DeleteWell said! I hope that my children will bring light! The helpers are so important, and they give us all hope!
ReplyDeleteThank you and thanks for stopping by! :)
DeleteWell said, Sandra. It’s hard to watch the news for five minutes without considering the kind of world we’re raising kids in. As you point out, darkness is just a reminder that we need to raise our kids to let their light shine, whether it’s being a hero during a catastrophe, or a good friend to someone in need.
ReplyDeleteYes! I think that everyone can make their own corner of the world brighter and each of those lights can make the world brighter! Thank you for the comment!
DeleteGreat post! I love your question: What kind of children are we bringing into the world? It is our responsibility as parents to raise happy, healthy, responsible children. I also think that although there are some negative aspects of the world we live in, there is much more good--if we choose to look for it. The media gets a better response by printing and viewing negative news, so that's what we see the most of in our lives (the yucky stuff)--it doesn't mean that's reality. As humans, we're biologically wired to look for the negative as well--it helped us in the past to steer clear of danger and to be more wary. It still helps us, but with the constant negative news being thrown at us, it's become a struggle to remain positive about the world, and harder to believe in humanity and its goodness. If you as a parent have a positive view of the world, this can be a gift from a parent just through modeling. Are there bad things that happen in the world, with people doing bad things? Yes, unfortunately yes. But that is an exception that has been given a whole lot of attention and time from the media. Boy, I guess I have a lot to say about this! I'll wrap it up....
ReplyDeleteYou're absolutely right! I've actually cut back on watching the news (usually just once a week). I just don't see the need in bombarding myself with all the negativity. Thank you for your input!
DeleteThanks for the reminder. I remember seeing a Mr. Roger's clip on that day and how it helped me. We were never promised heaven on earth but we can make our own backyard better. Enjoy your SITS Day.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I think I know which clip you're talking about. I still love Mr. Roger's even as an adult! lol!
DeleteI will say, being two months pregnant at the time of the bombing and living in the Boston area, it did make me sad and think about the world I will be bringing my child into. But I do love how you framed it, and I will do everything in my power to make sure that this child is a caring, thoughtful, compassionate person who will see the best in others. Happy SITS day!
ReplyDeleteBev || LLinkouture: Musings on the Creative Side of Life
Thank you! It is sad to think about the negatives in the world, but like you said...we can only do our best to raise our children to be the positive in the world! :)
DeleteBeautiful post and beautifully said! I hope you have a wonderful SITS Day!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much and thanks for dropping by!
DeleteI really love this perspective and it does drive home for me. Thanks for sharing and congratulations on your big day at SITS. Have a super blessed day!
ReplyDeleteLove
Thank you!!! I'm glad it helps! :)
DeleteYes! Amen! This is exactly my opinion when I hear people question the world we live in. There is more good than bad. It's up to us as parents to show our kids how to be good.
ReplyDeleteHappy SITS Day!
Exactly! Thank you so much! :)
DeleteLovely post
ReplyDelete{ stopping by from SITS }
Thank you! I appreciate the comment!!! :)
DeleteLovely post, you capture my thoughts for sure. Thanks for the quote - appreciate that.xoxo
ReplyDeleteThank you and no problem! :)
DeleteI LOVE this! I have 4 kids & it can be depressing to think of what kind of culture I've brought them into...but YES! I'm bringing godly, moral, kind, loving, GOOD little people into this world. I must remember that! Happy SITS day, late.
ReplyDeletehttp://therealmomreview.blogspot.com
Thank you! Thanks for commenting! I think we all need the reminder some days that we are bringing good into the world! :)
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