It seems lately that I have been persecuted, in a way, for how my family and I live. The Bible tells us, we are a peculiar people. We live in this world, but we are not of this world. I have always held on to these "words of wisdom", as far back as I can remember.
As a child, my parents didn't agree on their beliefs of God. So, that meant that my brothers and I attended public school. I didn't fit in there, neither did I fit in at the church we attended, because all of the kids there went to Christian school. Every day I went to school, it made me stronger in what I believed, but there were times that I wanted to "fit in" with all of the other kids! As I look back I am glad I went through those trials, because I wouldn't be the person I am today. My husband also went through the public school system. He dealt with issues, but not as I did. Being a Sabbath believer, it is a bit more difficult.....! We truly believe that homeschooling for our family is what the Lord has planned for us. Obviously my husband and I are not against the public school system, because he is employed in one! There are families who need it and we do not look down upon them for that. We are all different!
But.......because we choose to educate our children in a different way, it doesn't give others the right to bash us! Never have I, nor will I ever go up to someone else and tell them that they are hurting their child/children for sending them to public or private school! I am praying that people will stop judging us and thinking that we are "looking down upon them" because they have chosen a different way of educating their kids! We respect others and in return, I would like to be respected! That is a huge part of what we are trying to instill into our children's characters. I praise the Lord every day that He has given us ALL a different way of thinking, He has given us the freedom of choice! Let's all learn to embrace each other, without judging each other. Let's teach our children to "Love one another as Christ loved us."
If only we ask the Lord what His will for us is.....He will answer and lead us! Bless all of you and may the Lord richly bless you and shine down upon you!
Thanks so much for having Christina. She loved every minute. She's so impressed on how you do school at your place. Being the youngest she can't seem to remember when we did things like that, but I guess I need to do more for her... She's not one of the littles, and she's not 16 and 17...
ReplyDeleteGlad your floor survived the bread making. :-)
By the above post I gather that things have been a little rough. I am sorry. I understand and I've tread the same water.
I NEVER ever want to criticize anyone for their educational choices. Hey, I believe in homeschooling. I also use the public school for services I cannot myself provide. My oldest is going to (God forbid)a non-SDA, non-Christian college, but it is right for her at this time. It's the best we can offer her right now. Thankfully she is strong in who she is. Is it right for everyone? NO. Is academy right for my kids right now? NO. But can I say that they will never, ever, ever go? NO.
I expect that same respect that I offer others in return on my family choices. It is about respect.
Your kids are wonderful. The Lord is blessing abundantly your efforts to do what is right and good for them.
Don't let it get you down. Keep your mind on things above!!
oh... and aren't you just ENJOYING your kids right now? We had a great time on our get-away, but it was absolutely awesome to come home and sit on the couch and just visit with the girls for a couple of hours. They wanted to tell us everything and we LOVE their company. WHO in their right mind says teenagers are hard???
ReplyDeleteCan't wait for Bri to come home!!!
And to clarify - NO, I will NOT criticize another family's educational choices. I can't know their needs like they do, BUT I don't always understand their choices. Do I have to? Certainly not. It's none of my beeswax.
we were told just recently in no uncertain tones that we needed to put our kids into public school. We are, apparently, depriving them, secluding them, and over protecting them. This was the opinion of a fellow SDA believer.
ReplyDeleteI am so proud of my kids though. They are becoming bright lights to our community. Love it!!!
Julie McPherson (Angie Ford's sister)