Saturday, October 25, 2008

Warriors

My little sister was interviewing me for a class she was taking in her elementary ed. program when she asked me, "What quality do you most hope to encourage in your children?" I thought for about half a second (it seems like you should maybe think a bit longer when asked such a thing, but I knew right away) and I told her,

"I want my kids to be warriors."

She laughed - as I'm sure most people would when hearing my response. You would probably think - OK, this lady is a whacko.... or this lady is some hardcore extremist of some sort or other....
And in a way, you would be correct. But let me explain what I really mean.

I want my children to do what is right. (trite but true.) I want my children to have integrity when it seems to be going out of style, to be brave and stand up for values that are becoming a waste of time, to speak up when they witness injustice, and to stick to their beliefs when it would be so easy to back down.

I want my children to speak for people who can't speak for themselves. I want them to care about the weak, the poor, the abused, and the alone. I want them to see a child, a man, or an animal in need and DO something about it.
I want them to live in service and to love without reservation.
I want them to see that of all the choices they will make in life,
and of all the paths they may take:
LOVE
is always the best decision.
LOVE
is always the best path.
If God can keep his eye on the smallest sparrow,
and Jesus can offer love and forgiveness to thieves, prostitutes, and people without hope...
Perhaps we better do the same.
Somehow,
over the years,
People have twisted God's words, and conveniently forgotten Christ's example,
and decided that to judge, to demean, and to plunder
is somehow our right as
Children of God.
So I want my children to be warriors for peace,
stewards of our beautiful earth,
protectors of our brothers and sisters around the globe,
and champions of justice for the small, insignificant, and voiceless.
You may count your child a success if they graduate from a prestigious university,
or perhaps if they are famous athletes, doctors, or lawyers.
I will count my children as successful
if they know how to love.

104 comments:

13.1 Runner said...

Did you write this? It ought to be published on a card or in a book somewhere! Amen, sistah!

WhiteSockGirl aka The Fabulous Bitch said...

I will count my children as successful
if they know how to love.
That is just beautiful.

Have a happy SITs day!

Robbie S. Redmon, LPC said...

This is wonderful!

Carey-Life in the Carpool Lane said...

Such a beautiful poignant post... What more could any of us ask for our children really?

Hello There said...

Wonderfully written.

Rita Barakat said...

Awesome! This would be great on a scrapbook page!

Whispering Writer said...

LOVE this post. What a great answer, so deep and well thought out.

~ Becky
http://beckyandjames.com

MsTypo said...

Teaching your kids to have the courage of their convictions is a great gift. Good for you!

Hillori said...

Amen! I would like to share this with my children tonight! Very beautifully written...

Elizabeth D. said...

Very well said! Stopping by from SITS, happy featured blog day!

cat said...

Great bit of writing girl.

Cassie said...

Wow. That is beautiful and true. Wonderful post!

Anonymous said...

Ah the dreams of parents for their children. :) If I could add to that:

to be who they want to be and to be happy and contented with the choices they have made.

Preston

Robin said...

It is such a shame more parents don't seek the same for their children; guiding them, leading them, nurturing and instilling such true humanitarian values. More and more I see parents that haven't the time or desire to be true parents.

Jennifer Juniper said...

That is really powerful and well put. Can I steal your wish for my children, too?

Happy sits :)

Creative Junkie said...

Wow - I love how you worded this!

Pam said...

Happy SITS Day! I LOVE you answer to this question. What a wonderful world it would be if we all raised our children to be warriors.

Cher said...

oh this is so good. Love it!! I second that previous "Amen"!!

Unknown said...

Wish I'd read this when my kids were little. Shoot, wish I'd read it when I was little!

Unknown said...

That's beautiful!

Amanda @ Serenity Now said...

Happy SITS Day! :)

Your blog is SO pretty!! I love the "more cowbell" sticker. :)

Heather said...

What a beautiful post!

Happy SITS day! Hope your day is filled with comment love...

Michelle said...

WOW! RIGHT ON! THat is what I want for my children, as well. I sure hope I'm doing a good job showing them how to be that.

Brandy@YDK said...

that's so awesome. happy sits day.

said...

Well said!

Congrats on your SITS day!

Anonymous said...

HAPPY SITS DAY!
I love this - you are 100% correct, so many things have been thrown to the wayside and not taken seriously anymore.
Have a great one!

Tori said...

Wow that is incredible. Way to go!

glenna said...

very nicely put! :-)

Brandy said...

I think being warriors would be just perfect.

Laura said...

I think would all like our children to be warriors of God & what he stands for.

Bethany said...

Wow--- what a wonderful vision for your children's lives! :)

KarieK said...

I don't know what parent wouldn't want these admirable qualities for their children. Made me misty thinking about how much I want this for my kids.

Lisa said...

What a great post.

Unknown said...

These are wonderful words! I've always told my children that I want them to never be afraid to speak up, to be heard, to challenge respectfully, and to defend the little guy........
Congrats on your SITS day! I like your way with words.

Cammie said...

what an awesome post!!!

Laura said...

what a great answer! love it!

M.A. said...

This is beautiful! Sounds like you are a fantastic mom! :)

Happy SITS day!

Cynthia said...

"I will count my children as successful
if they know how to love."

That's so perfect!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful post! Happy SITS day!

Marshmallow Circus said...

Awesome! I love your outlook. :)

Mimi Head said...

Very beautiful and inspiring.

Jenna Cox said...

as an about-to-be-first time mom, this is incredibly encouraging! I wish the same thing for my little lovies!

Marrdy said...

I agree. I would prefer Warriors too!

Pseudo said...

Wonderful post. You surprised me too. As of late I have become anxious of people who announce their christianity - for the very reason you mention. Often it is with judgement for the other, an entitlement (especially of material goods)and a less than compassionate heart for those who suffer.

Bravo!

Jadehollow said...

WoW !! *Hand Claps* Awesome and Beautiful Post!
Happy SITS Day!
Blessed Hugs,
Debbie

Rachel said...

Beautifully said. I definitely hope for the same with my little one :)

Helene said...

This is such a beautiful post!! I hope my kids grow up with same values!

Amy said...

LOve is the best.

Rebecca said...

Happy SITS day! What an amazing post - this could be published!

Lisa said...

Your words are truly beautiful and I'm sure they will bring you much happiness!

Star Forbis said...

Love this post!

Amy said...

Great post!

Happy SITS day! :)

Tinabean said...

This is a beautiful post.
I think all of those things are more needed in todays society than ever before.
You are such a sweet mom.
By the way I'm stopping by way of SITS.

StacieinAtlanta said...

What a fabulous post! I want the same for my children only you know how to say it better!!! :)

Stacie
http://www.thedivinemissmommy.com

Rhiannon Bosse said...

You sounds like an amazing mom :) Warrior's are some awesome people!! Happy SITS Day!

Becky @ Our Sweet Peas said...

Can I steal your answer??? :)Beautifully said!

Unknown said...

Saying hello from SITS!

Beautiful post.

Unknown said...

Saying hello from SITS!

Beautiful post.

Anonymous said...

Well said

shortmama said...

So well written!

Evy said...

Great post! I have to agree with you that we need to be warriors in order to survive. And I think the warrior incorporates every other trait out there.

Safire said...

Great answer! Happy SITS day.

Rachel Lundy said...

Good answer!

Anonymous said...

Awesome! That is so beautifully written!

Jessica said...

What a cool post - I pretty much agree on all points. It's our duty as parents, lo, mothers, to instill in our kids a sense of purpose and humanity. If they just "do," but don't "be" then what do they have? Lists of accomplishments, but no satisfaction in them as members of something bigger than themselves.

Alison said...

Beautiful post! It inspires me.

My dad (who happens to be a pastor) says, "Love always wins; it just takes longer."

Patrice said...

Wow! Great answer! Your kids are luck to have you as their momma!

Anonymous said...

Didn't laugh or wonder -even for a sec- upon reading your reply.

And you're so right. If they have that, they have it all!

Have a great week...:)

Kristi Stephens said...

Great post!!!!! Love it and agree! Have you ready anything from Brennan Manning? I think you would like it!

Melissa @ I Pick Pretty said...

Stopping by via SITS, hello!

What a fantastic, heartfelt post. As I'm starting to think about having kids myself, I find this particularly encouraging & the mindset I'd hope to have.

Days of Whine & Noses said...

Happy SITS day!

Becky @ Babes in Hairland said...

Amen SITSA! Kids today have so much working against them, they need to be warriors in every way you mentioned. Strong enough to stand up for themselves & the evils of the world, but also enough to love everyone! Great post.

Lemonlime said...

Such a beautiful wish for your children.

Anonymous said...

Great goals.

I hope my child grows up to be a warrior too.

lynn said...

Hope you are enjoying your SITS day!

That is such a beautiful post, great answer to her question!

Mandy said...

Happy SITS day! This is beautiful.

Vickie said...

Happy SITS day!

Great post!

Mandy Mae said...

Thank you SITS for leading me here!

That was WONDERFUL! Took the breath right out of me.

Anonymous said...

wow - you are a great mom, a fantastic writer, and clearly a woman to be admired.

thanks to SITS for helping me find you.

Roshni said...

wow! Wish I was so clear as to what I want from my kids!!
Coming from SITS

KatBouska said...

Oh Amen to this!! I wish I had thought of such a great thing to say about my kids!! Beautiful.

Mrs. M said...

What a great post - such truth of what most of us want for our own children!! Visiting via SITS - congrats on being the featured blogger!!

foxy said...

Love is a beautiful thing and it is absolutely falling to the wayside, so kudos to you for instilling that in your children!!

Ok, I loved every single one of your posts from SITS, so I am now a follower!

Lisa@saltandlightstudio said...

Loved this post though it does sting a little. Reminds me of all the ways that I fall short of this goal and how very much I need the Lord's Grace to cover me.

BlogBaby's BabyMama

Amy said...

Ok, you just clearly stated my own deepest wish for my kids! BRAVO!!!

Katie Lane said...

You have such an amazing sprit, I have no doubt that your children will be all this and more.

Reeni said...

That's so beautiful!

Michelle said...

I totally get it and ... sadly, I actually didn't think you were a whack job from the start ;) I get the warrior thing, and I wish you the best of luck!

Tiffany said...

Perfectly said. I think you summed it for all of us!

Allison D said...

warriors...awesome. and loving everyone sure does take a warrior. great post

Judah said...

awesome post and awesome answer!! happy SITS day

Jodi said...

Great post! I want my kids to be warriors too. Happy SITS!

Living and Working in Boise said...

callwhenyougetthere.com (my real "identity")

Beautiful. And it will take a warrior to go against the flow and truly love others. It's an awesome goal to have for your children.

Happy SITS day to you!

Jessica said...

Great post! Happy SITS day!

Ali said...

You said it much better than I could ever even attempt!

Susan Whelan said...

What a fantastic response. I'm going to print this out and put it near my computer screen as a reminder of what I am trying to achieve everyday with my children.

Your children are blessed to have a mother who dreams such big dreams for them.

Tanielle said...

What a beautiful post, and so true!!! Happy SITS day!

mommytoalot said...

Great post.
Stopping by a day late from SITS.

Patricia said...

great post!

Happy SITS day to you (late but sincere) :)

Tamara Jansen said...

Well put :)

Tabitha Blue said...

Alright, momma Chae!!! I'm with you... well said!!

:)
~Tabitha~

freshmommyblog.com

Controlling My Chaos said...

Perfect. I love it. Congrats on your SITS day.

Rachael said...

What an amazing post!

Charmaine said...

{heart} - this is great - and I totally agree! (Still getting caught up from SITS featured bloggers this week - I hope you had a good SITS day!)