I would like to take a moment to send my deepest condolences and prayers to all of the families who suffered a loss at the Sandy Hook Elementary School Massacre in Connecticut! I also wanted to share this t-shirt that I came across (on Facebook)... the irony is saddening! As a mother, it pains me to know that such violence is alive, and there's often times nothing that we can do about it! If the schools don't want to incorporate God in prayer, then you have to be sure to send Him with your children... give them His covering. This tragedy could have hit anywhere, but when it hits sooo close to home it definitely brings a new perspective. I know this vicious event is arousing conversations of absolutely necessary gun law changes, but it goes so much deeper than that! A sick individual slaughtered 28 people (an entire class of 6 and 7 yr. old first graders - 20 children and 8 adults including himself) for no logical reason. Gun laws would not have healed him! We need to get back to basics...
1. Know your children... the signs of this young man needing help or attention were there way before this incident! As parents and guardians, we can not ignore or overlook these signs... they are merely a small part of the bigger picture, and in this case, that lead to extreme tragedy! Mothers, use your intuition, and listen to what others may be saying. This does not mean that you have to believe everything that you hear, but be AWARE! Fathers, be present! ...In the conversation, in the moment, in the picture! Don't be such a disciplinarian that your children don't want to (or know how to) speak to you!
2. Love your children... Invite and Ignite LOVE!! Let them know that they are loved! Be active in their lives, override their negativity and rebelliousness with love. Converse with them and spend time with them! Understand and relate to the way your child gives and receives love. Parents, educators, and anyone dealing with children should pick up the book, The 5 Love Languages of Children, by Dr. Gary Chapman and Dr. Ross Campbell. Own it, read it, and apply it! Be the best friend that your children can confide in!
3. Instill in them the fear of God! If you expect your children to love, respect, honor, and obey you, they first must know what true love is... what true sacrifice is, and the gift of love that God gave the world...
No one said that parenting is easy! Unfortunately, we can not protect our children every step of the way. All we can do is our best... but there are no copouts in parenting... no excuses... we can't let the ball drop so often that we don't even know what game is being played anymore! We have to be involved, we have to be committed, we have to genuinely care, and always continue to pray!
Once again, my heart and prayers go out to the parents and families of those lost, and to the nation of those touched as a result of this violence! We can only hope that gun laws will be put in place to make the process of obtaining these type of assault weapons nearly impossible, especially for mentally ill or 'mentally bruised' individuals. However, we have the power to make changes in our children, families, and future! We are obligated to impart this change. Be the parents that our children need us to be... that this nation needs us to be... and don't stop in your own home... Spread the Love! -Please remember this... Do it with Style, and Seal it with a Kiss!
"I believe the children are our future. Teach them well, and let them lead the way. Show them all the beauty they possess inside. Give them a sense of pride to make it easier..." -Whitney Houston
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