Perhaps people who are so very concerned about children needing socialization have fallen for a worldly philosophy that says it is important to immerse our children in the world in order to allow them to develop properly. Hogwash!
I have never put my children in a nursery or daycare. They never went to pre-k. They have never played with the neighbors kids. My children have never developed an appetite for a lot of friends so it’s no big deal. They don’t even really know they are missing out on hearing about sex from the neighborhood boys. They don’t get wedgies in the bathroom at school. No one steals their lunch money. They don’t watch TV at the neighbors house. They've never seen a sitcom, that almost without exception always includes a homo as the hero. They have no idea how deprived they really are. Please don’t tell them.
Well how can your children be salt and light if you never allow them to socialize?
I definitely want my children to be salt and light and I believe they are. Just the fact that we are separate and do carefully orchestrate our socialization is a witness. My children actually influence others because they are not immersed in the world. The Dr, Dentist relatives, even church friends can be *witnessed to* just by us living a separated life, that in itself is a witness to the importance of Jesus Christ and His grace. Who does the Dentist notice, watch and take note of? The average Hannah Montana girl or my wholesome Godly daughter with a modest dress and meek spirit? Who speaks louder?
Your pastor preached our camp meeting last year. I'll never forget his story about the five generations of Pentecost in his family and how NOT ONE OF THEM to this point is/has been lost. That is quite a testimony and one that I have never heard before from another five-generational pentecostal family. He then used Acts 2:39: "For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off......." to emphasize that he believed it was not accident that the ORDER was you, YOUR CHILDREN, and all that are afar off.
ReplyDeleteI have seen so many pentecostal parents think that their children should be a light to the world and have basically thrown them to the wolves, even with the best of intentions. I believe with all of my heart that my role is to my children FIRST, and the rest of the world SECOND and that scripture backs that up.
My children, like yours, have very carefully orchestrated socialization. Because, if I have been a light to this world but have lost my children, the pain would be too great.
Thank you Darla for sharing about Pastors family. I have been privledged to know 4 of those 5 generations. They were blessed to welcome another baby into their home just a couple weeks ago.
ReplyDeleteI have heard him talk about Acts 2:39.. I am very blessed to hear such awesome teaching.
Darla,
ReplyDeleteI forgot to add that I am considering your offer to trade places, how is the Mexican food in Canada?
Preservationism and Wall Building. Paul said to be in the world but not of the world. Some are afraid of being in the world because they think faith is so feeble that soon they will be of the world too. I respect your right as a parent, but Christian children should hang out and befriend neighbors (not sleep-overs), and when there are questions this is a beautiful time to contrast the gospel and a learning opportunity. We have taken our talent and hidden it in the ground when we build bubbles around us full of idealism.
ReplyDeleteThe Mexican food is pretty good in some cities, but I can't say it's great in my city. We are getting a new Mexican restaurant but I haven't tried it yet.
ReplyDeleteHope this doesn't wreck all the plans.........
CM: I saw your question to Darla about the Mexican food in Canada and felt as though I had to give you a fair warning... ;o)
ReplyDeleteHaving personally lived in Texas, California AND Canada - the two states being highly populated with Mexicans, and Canada being very sparsely populated with Mexicans...I can safely say whatever Mexican food you taste in Canada will not even compare to what you're used to in the U.S. Sadly. :o(
Every time my mom visits me, the first thing she wants to do is eat "real" Mexican food. :o)
I loooove me some gorditas!
Paul said to be in the world but not of the world.
ReplyDeleteYes but he was talking to seasoned Christians not litle children....
Some are afraid of being in the world because they think faith is so feeble that soon they will be of the world too.
Yes, this is true and exactly why I dont allow my 6 year old to mingle in the world without me present, Im afraid his faith is too feeble. I have yet to meet a little one whos faith is so strong that they can withstand the wiles of the world.
Christian children should hang out and befriend neighbors (not sleep-overs), and when there are questions this is a beautiful time to contrast the gospel and a learning opportunity.
I too think the world and even the sinful people in it provide many teachable moments for my family. It isnt that I dont want to expose my family, I simply want to be with them during the exposure.
We have taken our talent and hidden it in the ground when we build bubbles around us full of idealism.
God doesnt want us to hide, I am not hiding my children, I am going with them into the confusing world to guide them so their talents can grow and be developed in His timing.
Whats wrong with idealism?
I haven't read part 2 yet...I am about to....but I wanted to give my comments on this part first. I agree 100%! I was feeling like maybe I was a bad mom by not letting my kids play with the neighbor kid, so one day when the neighbor kid showed up in our yard, I let them play. The kid (who was about 10 years old and my kids were 9 and 6 at the time) asked my son if he had french kissed a girl. Son said "no" and the boy said "you are gay". That was the end of that. It reaffirmed that my kids did NOT need a bunch (or any) worldly friends.
ReplyDeleteOur local public school is giving away FREE lunch to anyone who shows up this summer. We went the other day, just to check it out. My son hated it. A kid came up to my son and said "How much do you weigh? Do you weigh 200 pounds?" (my son is heavy)...we just ignored him. I can't imagine that my child "needs" that kind of "socialization".
You mentioned that the dentist, etc., notices godly, homeschool kids. I agree. I can't begin to tell you how many compliments I get about how well mannered my kids are. (although they do have their moments that manners fly out the window!)
Good post.