Well, when I think of the word community I am reminded of the saying, "It takes a village to raise a child." A small town, called Warsaw, nestled within the heartland of Indiana brought this phrase to life for me. They shaped the character of who I am today, and carefully wove together my moral fibers.
Due to my unstable family life, I turned to my teachers, friend's parents, coaching staff, and church family to direct my footsteps. I'm reminded of spontaneous kitchen table conversations, words of wisdom from a coach, and loving guidance from church staffers. They were my family when I lacked one, and because of that I will forever be grateful.
Those that are faithful servants within a community unknowingly shape the minds of the future. Every encouraging word and/or gentle correction is a building block in the foundation of a young child. Who shaped your character?
As you answer that question in your mind do not let it stop there. Take a moment to thank those names. Whether it be by letter, phone call, or taking them out for a cup of coffee. Let them know how they influenced your life. Then take it one step further!
How can you possibly take it one step further? Join your community in raising a child by getting involved. You can touch a life by simply being a coach, a small group leader or by taking an invested interest in your child's friends. Your love and guidance will enrich future communities to come.
awesome post Cherish and a great encouragement to all of us, sister in Christ!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ken!
ReplyDeleteCherish:
Your story is a big inspiration to citizens of the world. Citizens of the world because am a Kenyan and your story has jolted me miles away from America. I thank God a lot for you for letting you live to be an example to many people out there who are in their comfort zones totally unaware, by choice or otherwise ,what others have gone through to be who they are today. We are living in a man eat man society where people have little or no regard for others.
Children who grow up in a family such as yours escape the vulnerabilities that are functions of alcoholism later in their lives narrowly as the wider family turns a blind eye to them. Bringing up a child takes the village as you put it and therefore this village must do exactly that. At times we are so selfish with what God has given unto us; we are not willing to share. And sharing is not necessarily material. Sharing other resources like time counts a lot. Many people do not have time for others; they rarely get time to visit the sick, little children, the elderly and other needy groups. How does one get to know about people who went through situations like yours if they don’t find time out of their busy schedule to visit these people.
In Africa, children suffer a lot from alcoholism, poverty and wars and end up becoming street urchins or members of militia groups. Children with potential of growing up to become responsible members of the society end up in the streets or being gangsters.
A big majority of these children could be saved through ones individual efforts, church staffers, school teachers and not necessarily the UN.
What we do, even in a small way counts big time before the eyes of God.
Your blog is a big inspiration and I pray that God helps you to be of help to others just as others were of help to you.
God bless you.
Ken, Africa.