The Village

It takes a village to raise a child. Constant but gentle direction, positive and productive influence, warm intense heartfelt motivation, all wrapped up in a  living breathing example. That's what God provides for us every day.

Our example is Jesus. And we must live a life that is an example of his teachings.

This next instruction carries more weight than most understand. For me it speaks to core values, as well as education and most importantly, Salvation.

Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 NKJV

All throughout and every day of my life, God has been good to me. I pray and he answers. Grateful, I feel his love and the love of Jesus all around me.

Sometimes, I laugh and cry at the same time because I have a past that is continuously blossoming into my future / purpose. My testimony is unique because it is my personal growth on a road where I developed into a child of God. I share it with all who listen. My training was not a trade, praise God. It was my introduction to the man who is the son of God who died and rose from the dead for me. The good news: salvation. The best training my Mother could every provide for me.

As an adult raising male children, I didn't truly understand this passage. I made it my business that all in my house are / were saved. But a voice constantly encouraged and guided me to introduce my children to various opportunities that  included a multitude of cultures, ethnicities, and experiences.

And as they walk into adulthood, they have passion, skills, and trades. All three are productive citizens. But most importantly they know Jesus and are saved. They are not perfect and like me make mistakes. I am grateful they know how to go to God in prayer.

Now, I'm watching my nephews and understanding the differences of 6 year old twins. One carries a note book wanting  guidance as he writes. The other dribbling a basketball asking me to watch as he dribbles through his legs. Both are hungry for what's next. Our job is not done. Those seeds are growing and we (the village) must continue to introduce or expose them to other opportunities while being an example for them. For we must all do our part.

However, the most important influence we can instill is salvation. On a level they can understand.

But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 19:14 NKJV

Praying God's grace, mercy, love and protection over them all the days of their lives. God is so good he has already determined their purposes. I am so thankful.

Jesus is love and it is important to walk in love being careful and remembering Ephesians 6:4: And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

In today's society the youth are searching for something. This quest is leading to death and devastation. Jesus has given us the greatest gift, Eternal life. He wants us to live an abundant life. There is a better way.

We the village must make sure all of our young men and women live a life pleasing to God. We cannot give up on our babies. We must find a way to reach and teach them. And we all must work together.

How will you use your influence? Jesus has his arms open for the babies. Expose, teach, lead, send them to him.

Praying for our children.