Thursday, March 26, 2009

Freedom Friday 03.27.09



Welcome to Freedom Friday where we discuss the founding principles of our great nation!

Today's principle is:

The family is sacred. My spouse and I are the ultimate authority, not the government.

“It is in the love of one’s family only that heartfelt happiness is known. By a law of our nature, we cannot be happy without the endearing connections of a family.”- Thomas Jefferson

In 1996, Hillary Clinton wrote the book It Takes a Village: And Other Lessons Children Teach Us in which she presented her vision for the children of America. She focused on the impact individuals and groups outside the family have, for better or worse, on a child's well-being, and advocated for a society which meets all of a child's needs. At the time I remember thinking that the title made me feel good. After all, who wouldn't want a nurturing and loving society to help raise their children?

And then I had kids.

And I saw society through the eyes of a mother.

And I do. not. want. them. raising. my. kids.

And then my kids started to school in the public school system.

And I realized that, like it or not, they were trying to raise my kids for me.

I make sure that I know what my kids are learning. I read their textbooks and sometimes we have to have the discussion that while they have to know certain things for testing purposes this is what we actually believe to be the truth. They understand this and it brings me great joy when they come home and tell me "Mom, my teacher said so and so but I know the Bible says... or I know you taught me... or my book says such and such but..." It does a Momma's heart good for her kids to think for themselves! "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6

My kids are MY God-given responsibility and even though society, culture and the government want me to believe I need their help in raising them I consider it an honor and a blessing to "...bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." Ephesians 6:4

5 comments:

Mich said...

Amen!!!

Becky said...

I totally agree!! I know many people who homeschool their children for this very reason...and I understand why they do it. I'm not planning to but I won't say that I never will! I firmly believe in being involved in all ascepts of your child's public school experience. I love that you read their textbooks...I
will have to remember that in a few years.

I also think this applies to church. It is our responsiblity to teach our kids not a sunday school teacher, church volunteer, etc. Don't get me wrong...I think these people are great but it is still MY responsiblity at HOME. Just because we attend the same church doesn't mean we believe/see things the same way.

Christi @ Writing the Waves said...

I agree!

Amber said...

Girl....I heart you so much!

I agree with you 100%!!

Stephanie @ My Answered Prayer said...

Amen Sister!